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Golden, crispy shrimp cakes made with fresh shrimp, garlic, cilantro, and fish sauce.

Vietnamese Shrimp Cakes Recipe

Golden, crispy shrimp cakes made with fresh shrimp, garlic, cilantro, and fish sauce. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, these savory cakes are perfect as an appetizer or snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp Cakes:
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons rice flour
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Dipping Sauce:
3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 small chili chopped (optional)
  • 1 garlic clove minced

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife for chopping

Method
 

  1. Chop the shrimp into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add rice flour, fish sauce, garlic, cilantro, sugar, salt, and pepper to the chopped shrimp. Mix until well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp cakes to the skillet. Fry for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.
  5. In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chopped chili, and garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  6. Serve the shrimp cakes hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness.
  • Variation: You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added texture and color.
  • Safety Tips: Be careful when frying the shrimp cakes; ensure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid greasy cakes.