Description
Louisiana’s coastal charm meets culinary magic in these irresistible shrimp and crawfish cakes, blending Gulf Coast seafood with zesty spices. Crispy golden exteriors give way to tender, succulent interiors that transport diners straight to New Orleans’ soulful kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 pound (454 grams) peeled crawfish tails, chopped
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
Binding and Coating Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) crushed saltine crackers
- 10 scallions, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (for coating)
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood mixture by gently blending chopped shrimp, crawfish, crumbled saltines, diced scallions, beaten eggs, finely chopped red bell pepper, creamy mayonnaise, aromatic dry mustard, zesty garlic powder, subtle cayenne, and robust seafood seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients harmonize thoroughly.
- Craft uniform patties approximately 3 inches wide and ½ inch thick, delicately enrobing each cake with a light, crisp panko bread crumb coating to enhance texture and create a golden exterior.
- Warm olive oil in a substantial skillet over medium-high temperature, ensuring sufficient depth for even cooking and crisp edges.
- Carefully lower prepared seafood cakes into the heated oil, allowing each side to transform into a rich, amber-hued surface, approximately 3 minutes per side, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Transfer golden-brown cakes onto absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil, allowing them to rest momentarily and maintain optimal temperature and crispness.
- Present the seafood cakes immediately alongside a vibrant complementary sauce or a fresh, crisp salad, highlighting the delicate maritime flavors and inviting visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize bread crumbs with gluten-free panko for celiac or wheat-sensitive diners, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable seafood cakes.
- Reduce frying oil by using an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, creating a lighter version with similar crispy texture without excess grease.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like chopped dill or parsley, which complement seafood and provide bright, aromatic undertones.
- Prep patties ahead of time and refrigerate for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together and develop more robust seasoning integration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg