Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Shrimp Cakes recipe boast loads of flavor in a low-carb package. Instead of using bread crumbs, like most shrimp cake and fritter recipes, this recipe uses almond flour. This makes them super easy to make and decreases the carb content, making them perfect for low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and Paleo diets.

Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (2)

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links which means we make a small commission from any sales to help keep the recipes coming! You do not pay any more. Thank you for your support!

Our shrimp cakes recipe

We load our shrimp cakes with flavor! Green onions, garlic, and a touch of lemon zest make these shrimp cakes sing. A touch of hot sauce makes them the grande dame of the opera.

The mixture is held together with a bit of egg and some almond flour. After forming the mixture into cakes, we fry them up into croquettes of golden crispy goodness. The result is a crispy outside with a tender, meaty inside to delight your tastebuds.

The Inspiration

Our inspiration for these shrimp cakes came from The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook by Elana Amsterdam.

This book has several recipes for fish cakes and fritters. I loved her idea of using almond flour in the cakes and decided to try my own version.

Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (3)

While some of my inspiration came from Elana’s cookbook, a bit of my inspiration came from my mother’s kitchen. Salmon croquettes and creamed peas were on her regular dinner rotation. I always looked forward to the nights that these were on the menu.

My mother’s salmon croquettes were a springboard from which my taste for fish cakes of all kinds developed. Crab cakes and shrimp cakes are some of my favorite meals

How to make shrimp cakes.

Shrimp cakes are easier to make than they look. First, you need to chop the shrimp. You can use a knife to chop them into small pieces, or you can use a food processor. If you use a food processor, a few pulses is all you need. The point is to chop the shrimp, not puree them!

In addition to chopping the shrimp, you’ll need to mince the scallions and the lemon zest as well as crush the garlic.

Next, you’ll need to mix up the other ingredients in a mixing bowl. Just whisk the egg slightly, then stir in the almond flour, the scallions, the lemon zest, the garlic, and the salt.

Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (4)

Now, simply mix the chopped shrimp into the egg mixture. You can use a spoon to do this, but I find that my hands are a more efficient tool.

Last, you need to shape them and fry them. You’ll want to heat up a large skillet, then add some oil. I use about 2 tablespoons, but you can use less if you’re using a non-stick pan. You may need more for a larger pan.

While the oil is heating, shape the shrimp mixture into 4 patties. I like to sprinkle them with a bit more salt (I’m a total salt fiend) and put them directly in the pan. They are a bit sticky, so they will stick to the plate if you shape them all into patties first. This isn’t a big deal–You may need to reshape them slightly before they go in the pan if you choose to shape them all at once.

Once they are in the pan, just fry them until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked throughout.

What goes with shrimp cakes?

I love serving these shrimp cakes with a touch of sour cream and a few slices of green onions on top. You could also top them with aioli, or serve them by themselves.

I love serving a salad on the side, but any green veggie would do. You could even cut the cakes in half and make them into a lettuce wrap, if you like.

Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (5)

How long will shrimp cakes keep?

In the unlikely event that you have any of these delicious cakes leftover, simply put them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.

I like to use them up within three days for the best flavor and for food safety purposes.

Can you freeze shrimp cakes?

These cooked shrimp cakes can easily be frozen. To freeze them, first allow them to cool completely. Next, you’ll want to put a piece of parchment between them so they don’t stick together and place them in a freezer-safe container before placing in the freezer.

Looking for other keto-friendly shrimp recipes? Check out the following:

Cajun Garlic Shrimp

Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp Kabobs

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner with Broccolini

Shrimp & Chorizo Spaghetti Squash Bowls by I Breathe I’m Hungry

Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (6)

This easy to make Shrimp Cakes recipe has loads of flavor in a low-carb package. This recipe is perfect for keto, gluten-free, or low-carb lifestyles.

Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (7)

4.88 from 8 votes

Print

Shrimp Cakes Recipe --Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly

This Shrimp Cakes recipe boast loads of flavor in a low-carb package. Instead of using bread crumbs, like most shrimp cake and fritter recipes, this recipe uses almond flour. This makes them super easy to make and decreases the carb content, making them perfect for low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and Paleo diets.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, low-carb

Keyword almond flour, gluten-free, keto, low-carb, seafood, shrimp cakes

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 4 patties

Calories 156 kcal

Author Annissa Slusher

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup super fine almond flour
  • 1/4 cup green onions minced
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest minced
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • additional sea salt (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or your favorite oil for frying)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and completely dry shrimp, then chop them either by using a knife or by pulsing a few times in a food processor. If you use a food processor, be sure not to over process them into a shrimp puree.

    Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (8)

  2. In a medium bowl mix together the egg, almond flour, green onions, hot pepper sauce, lemon zest, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.

    Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (9)

  3. Add the chopped shrimp to the egg mixture and stir together to combine. Shape into 4 patties

    Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (10)

  4. Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add avocado oil. Add the shrimp cakes to the pan and lightly sprinkle with additional salt, if desired. When the first side of the patties has become golden-brown (about 3-4 minutes, turn and brown the other side (about 3-4 minutes more). Turn heat to low to cook through, if necessary.

    Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (11)

  5. Remove patties to a serving plate and allow to cool 5 minutes or so before eating.

Nutrition Facts

Shrimp Cakes Recipe --Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly

Amount Per Serving (1 cake)

Calories 156 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 170mg57%

Sodium 655mg28%

Potassium 36mg1%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 0g0%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 200%4%

Vitamin C 4.1%5%

Calcium 60%6%

Iron 0.7%4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

  1. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (13)

    Melissa on March 1, 2019 at 9:52 am

    I love the flavors in these shrimp cakes. It is the perfect low-carb option

    Reply

  2. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (14)

    Tristin on March 1, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Love this recipe! I often make salmon cakes but hadn’t tried with shrimp until now. It’s soooo good! I served with a salad for me an inside rolls for my boys. They loved it!

    Reply

  3. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (15)

    Stephanie on March 1, 2019 at 10:15 am

    Love the addition of lemon zest in these shrimp cakes. Sounds so easy to prepare and flavorful.

    Reply

  4. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (16)

    Sabrina on March 1, 2019 at 10:25 am

    I didn’t realize you could freeze these! I’m going to make a big batch this weekend to eat and freeze for later.

    Reply

  5. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (17)

    Beth Neels on March 1, 2019 at 10:44 am

    I don’t know why I don’t make shrimp cakes! Love that your version in dairy and gluten free! I can make them for brunch on Easter for my Mom! She is intolerant! Also, love the lemon in these! Yum! Thanks!

    Reply

  6. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (18)

    KIMBERLY SKAGEN on March 3, 2019 at 1:01 pm

    Hi! These sound amazing. I just returned from Japan where we had something very similar, shrimp on a stick. So good! Anyway, do you think coconut flour would also work for the ‘flour’ component or is there some property to the almond flour?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (19)

      Annissa on March 3, 2019 at 8:28 pm

      I haven’t tried it with coconut flour. I think it would work, but you will need less as coconut flour soaks up liquids more than almond flour.

      Annissa

      Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (20)

      Yolands on July 16, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe? I usually buy the frozen pre-cooked.

      Reply

      • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (21)

        Annissa Slusher on July 16, 2021 at 9:49 pm

        The cakes will not hold together if you use precooked shrimp for this recipe.
        -Annissa

        Reply

  7. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (22)

    Jennifer on March 5, 2019 at 9:59 am

    Can’t wait to try these! Do you think you could cook these in an air fryer?

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (23)

      Annissa on March 6, 2019 at 10:41 am

      Hi Jennifer,
      I have never used an air fryer, so I can’t really be sure. Maybe someone who is familiar with air fryers will see this and be able to help.
      -Annissa

      Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (24)

      Aileen on February 27, 2020 at 9:54 pm

      Hey there Jennifer, just wondering if you tried them in the air fryer? I would also prefer not to deep fry them, let me know? and if so, how long? temp? Thanks!

      Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (26)

      Annissa on March 16, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      Hi Emily,
      I pictured them with a dollop of sour cream sprinkled with a touch a paprika and some sliced green onions. I’m thinking about adding a recipe for an aioli, which would be fabulous with them as well.
      -Annissa

      Reply

  8. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (27)

    Lynn on March 31, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    Looking to ty this recipe this week but don’t like frying that much. Have you experimented with baking them? If so, do you have recommended oven temp & baking time?
    Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (28)

      Annissa on March 31, 2019 at 3:48 pm

      I haven’t tried baking them, so I can’t give you any insights on how they will turn out.If you try it, let us know how it goes.
      -Annissa

      Reply

      • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (29)

        Lynn on April 4, 2019 at 5:33 pm

        I tried baking them & they turned out great. Important to note that they should be either refrigerated for a few hours or placed in the freezer for about an hour first. It holds everything together very well that way. Oven temp at 375 & bake for 10 min & then flip & bake another 8-10minutes.

        Reply

        • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (30)

          Annissa on April 5, 2019 at 10:01 am

          Thanks so much for getting back to me on this. I know there will be someone else who is going to want to bake them.
          -Annissa

          Reply

  9. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (31)

    J Ford on April 22, 2019 at 5:01 pm

    Your comments mention garlic butter recipe does not. How much crushed garlic would you recommend adding to this recipe?

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (32)

      Annissa on April 22, 2019 at 5:16 pm

      I add one crushed clove. I just added it to the recipe.Not sure how I missed that one!
      -Annissa

      Reply

  10. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (33)

    Jeanne Monroe on April 28, 2019 at 9:01 pm

    Hi, wanting to make these but haven’t any shrimp! I have imitation crab flakes…wondering how that would work? I’m going to try and I’ll let y’all know after we eat ’em. So wishing I could call you before I start cooking!! Anyway, thanks for a good lookin’ recipe!

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (34)

      Annissa on April 28, 2019 at 11:05 pm

      Hi Jeanne,
      I think this would work fine. You’ll just want to be sure to chop them as you would the shrimp. I hope it went well!
      Best,
      Annissa

      Reply

  11. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (35)

    Penny on April 30, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    I only have all purpose flour. How do you think that would work out?

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (36)

      Annissa on April 30, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      I haven’t tried it, but I think all purpose flour would work fine.
      Annissa

      Reply

  12. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (37)

    Clarke weidlein on May 12, 2019 at 2:18 pm

    I am going to make these this evening. I was thinking about making some small portions to serve as appetizers. Going to fry them, freeze them and re heat by making for my party this Wednesday. Thoughts about how that will work?
    Also, you mention not to flatten them out, but in the photos, they look flattened, not like the ice cream scooper round ball?

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (38)

      Annissa on May 12, 2019 at 6:18 pm

      I don’t see that I have said not to flatten them out. I do say to shape them into patties. I would try to make them hamburger shaped.

      Reply

  13. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (39)

    Vic on June 24, 2019 at 5:59 am

    I wonder what this tastes like. I’ll absolutely try this recipe someday! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  14. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (40)

    Michelle on August 5, 2019 at 9:25 pm

    Is it 4 patties a serving or 1 ? I see both listed in different places in the recipe?

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (41)

      Annissa Slusher on August 5, 2019 at 11:07 pm

      The recipe makes 4 servings. The serving size is one patty.

      -Annissa

      Reply

  15. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (42)

    Bondita on October 9, 2019 at 5:58 am

    Omg, this looks so delicious, making me drool 😛 I’ll definitely try this out. Thanks for sharing this 🙂

    Reply

  16. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (43)

    Lora Jene on November 4, 2019 at 5:13 am

    Wow, This recipe is the best to make in kitty parties. I was searching new dishes on Internet from last week. Now this week I am organizing a get together in my house. This cake is best for it.

    Reply

  17. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (44)

    Sandy on March 19, 2020 at 11:02 am

    Love the shrimp cakes but however con not find the sauce recipe shown? If there isn’t a recipe per say can you recommand a good dipping sauce for my crab cakes?

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (45)

      Annissa Slusher on March 19, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      The sauce shown is just a dollop of sour cream with a sprinkle of cayenne and a few green onions on top. Sauces that might be good would include our Creamy Chipotle Sauce, our Tzatziki Sauce-Greek Cucumber Yogurt Sauce, and our Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing.
      Enjoy!
      Annissa

      Reply

  18. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (46)

    Impressivepic on March 20, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    I wonder what this tastes like. I’ll absolutely try this recipe someday! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  19. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (47)

    Transmediadesign on March 21, 2020 at 11:51 am

    This is really looking so yummy and tasty

    Reply

  20. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (48)

    anil on May 20, 2020 at 8:37 am

    The recipe makes 4 servings. The serving size is one patty.Omg, this looks so delicious, making me drool I’ll definitely try this out. Thanks for sharing this

    Reply

  21. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (49)

    Quinten on May 31, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    We made these this weekend and they are awesome. We added some scallops to the mix as we are in a scallopy frame of mind lately. These paired well with some big porterhouse steaks. I look forward to trying many of your other recipes.

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (50)

      Annissa Slusher on June 4, 2020 at 12:38 pm

      Glad you liked them! Sounds like you had an amazing dinner!

      -Annissa

      Reply

  22. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (51)

    Cj on February 27, 2022 at 5:30 pm

    Why using precooked shrimp causes to fall apart?

    Reply

    • Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (52)

      Annissa Slusher on March 28, 2022 at 8:13 pm

      Yes

      Reply

  23. Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (53)

    Jeanne on February 26, 2023 at 9:08 pm

    I just made these for Dinner, they were a hit I made a mayo Sriracha topping delicious

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Shrimp Cakes Recipe--Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat shrimp on a no carb diet? ›

Definitely. Shrimp has just 0.2 grams of carbs in a 3-ounce serving; although shrimp come in different sizes, this is roughly 3-5 shrimp. Shrimp has less than a gram of fat per serving that comes from omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats that are beneficial to your body.

How much shrimp can I eat on keto? ›

This low-calorie food contains nearly no carbohydrates, with just 0.2g net carbs per 100g serving. In other words, you can eat shrimp freely on a keto diet. That being said, you should note that shrimp is high in cholesterol. Those watching their cholesterol levels should eat shrimp in moderation!

Does shrimp have carbs in it? ›

Carbs. Shrimp is naturally very low in carbohydrates, with under 1 gram per 3-ounce serving. Because shrimp is not a plant-based food, it contains no fiber. The cooking method and preparation, however, will affect nutritional values.

What happens if I eat no carbs for a month? ›

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness.

What happens if we don't eat enough carbohydrates? ›

Eating too little carbohydrate may lead to low blood sugar levels – called 'hypoglycaemia', leaving you feeling weak and light headed. It can also affect concentration as your brain needs a good supply of fuel to think and learn. Hypoglycaemia is a particular risk for people with diabetes and very active sports people.

How many carbs a day on keto? ›

The ketogenic diet typically reduces total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day—less than the amount found in a medium plain bagel—and can be as low as 20 grams a day. Generally, popular ketogenic resources suggest an average of 70-80% fat from total daily calories, 5-10% carbohydrate, and 10-20% protein.

How much weight can I lose in a month with keto? ›

How Much Weight Can You Lose in a Month on Keto? Individuals on a keto diet can lose an average of 10-12 pounds in their first month if they stay consistent with the diet and maintain a calorie deficit. However, weight loss can vary depending on starting weight, age, and activity level.

What does 3 oz of shrimp look like? ›

The recommended shrimp serving per an average person is three ounces. This translates to 11-12 "medium" shrimp, 8-9 "large" shrimp, or just 3 "colossal" shrimp.

Is asparagus OK for keto diet? ›

Yes, asparagus is keto-friendly. Not only is this green vegetable keto approved (as are most green vegetables) but it is also packed with tons of vitamins. It's loaded with Vitamin A, C and E as well as B vitamins.

How many pieces of shrimp is 3 oz? ›

Shrimp Sizing Chart
Common Sizing Term (Varies)Shrimp Count Per PoundApprox. Count Per 3 oz Serving
Medium Large36/409-10 shrimp
Medium41/5010-12 shrimp
Small51/6012-15 shrimp
Extra Small61/7015-17 shrimp
8 more rows
Aug 1, 2019

What seafood has no carbs? ›

Mahi-Mahi. Mahi-mahi has a sweet, mild flavor and a firm, smooth texture that can be baked, broiled, or grilled. A 100 gram serving of Mahi-Mahi has 19 grams of protein, and no carbs, but is slightly less fatty than other fish with just under 1 gram of fat.

What can you eat on a no carb diet? ›

Food and drinks allowed on a no-carb diet include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, oils, water, and plain coffee or tea. If you're less stringent, you can also eat nuts, seeds, non-starchy vegetables, and high fat fruits like avocado and coconut since these foods are low in net carbs.

Does cooked shrimp have carbs? ›

Shrimp Nutrition

On average, 100 grams of cooked shrimp has: Calories: 99. Fat: 0.3 grams. Carbs: 0.2 grams.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 6677

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.