How to Make Chef John's Spicy Shrimp Cakes - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy shrimp, look no further than Chef John's Spicy Shrimp Cakes. This recipe takes your average shrimp and transforms it into a flavorful and satisfying dish that will have you coming back for more. Whether you're entertaining guests or looking for a new recipe to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, these shrimp cakes are sure to impress.

What sets Chef John's Spicy Shrimp Cakes apart is the bold and spicy flavors infused into e...

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds raw peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 1 tablespoon finely crushed garlic, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems
  • 1 teaspoon sambal chili paste, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or as desired
  • ½ teaspoon fish sauce
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs, or more if needed
  • vegetable oil for frying

Information

  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 appetizer-size portions

  • Place shrimp, garlic, cilantro, chili paste, brown sugar, salt, fish sauce, turmeric, and cayenne pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse on and off until mixture begins to break down. Scrape down the sides. Continue processing until mixture is very smooth but not pureed and moves around the bowl as a mass. Transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap; press wrap against the surface of the shrimp paste. Refrigerate until mixture is chilled, 1 to 2 hours.
  • Place panko crumbs on a plate. Scoop out equal size portions of shrimp and roll them around on the crumbs to coat. Shape into thin patties. Do this in batches.
  • Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, cook cakes in batches. Fry until golden brown and cakes spring back to the touch, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  • Nutrition

    302 cal.

    • Total Fat: 17g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 157mg
    • Sodium: 580mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 21g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 20g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 61mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 208mg