These Golden Shrimp & Crab Cakes are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and packed with delicious seafood flavor. Made with sweet shrimp, delicate crab meat, seasoned breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, they’re baked or pan-seared until beautifully golden and served with a rich, buttery garlic sauce.
Perfect for a special dinner, holiday gathering, or an impressive seafood appetizer!
⭐ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Appetizer / Main Course
- Cuisine: American Seafood
Ingredients
For the Shrimp & Crab Cakes:
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225 g) lump crab meat
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seafood
Chop the shrimp into small pieces, reserving a few whole shrimp for topping if desired. Gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shells.
2. Make the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until everything is combined.
3. Shape the Cakes
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into round seafood cakes. Press gently to help them hold their shape.
For an attractive presentation, place one whole shrimp on top of each cake.
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
4. Cook Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the seafood cakes in a lightly greased baking dish. Brush the tops with melted butter.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the shrimp reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the cakes are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve
Pour the warm garlic butter sauce into a serving dish and arrange the golden shrimp and crab cakes on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best flavor.
- Handle the crab meat gently to keep some delicious chunks intact.
- Chill the mixture before shaping to prevent the cakes from falling apart.
- Add extra breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet.
- Don’t overcook the seafood, as it can become dry.
What to Serve with Shrimp & Crab Cakes
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed asparagus
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh garden salad
- Lemon rice
- Crusty garlic bread
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the seafood tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before using.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the seafood cakes, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I make them without crab meat?
Yes. You can replace the crab meat with additional chopped shrimp, although the flavor and texture will be different.
Can I fry them instead of baking?
Absolutely! Pan-fry in a little butter or oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
These Golden Shrimp & Crab Cakes with Garlic Butter Sauce are a seafood lover’s dream! Crispy, flavorful, buttery, and incredibly satisfying, they’re guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Serve them warm and enjoy every delicious
Enjoy.