Chef John'S Spicy Shrimp Cakes Recipe

Name: Chef John'S Spicy Shrimp Cakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
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; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or as desired; 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 cup panko bread crumbs, or more if needed; vegetable oil for frying

Servings: persons

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
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or as desired
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup panko bread crumbs, or more if needed
vegetable oil for frying

1
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.
2
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.
3
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.

335

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 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, and more.

Yes, Chef John'S Spicy Shrimp Cakes falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Chef John'S Spicy Shrimp Cakes

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions