How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover shrimp cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp mixture a day in advance and fry them just before serving.

What can I substitute for sambal oelek?

You can use chili garlic sauce or even sriracha as a substitute, though it may alter flavors slightly.

Can I make these shrimp cakes gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the coating.

How can I reheat the shrimp cakes?

Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain crispiness.

Spicy Indonesian Sambal Shrimp Cake with Lime Zest

Name: Spicy Indonesian Sambal Shrimp Cake with Lime Zest
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Shrimp; Sambal oelek; Lime zest; Scallions; Garlic; Fish sauce; Breadcrumbs; Egg; All-purpose flour; Salt; Black pepper; Vegetable oil; Mayonnaise; Lime juice; Sambal oelek; Salt

Savory shrimp patties bursting with spicy sambal and a hint of lime

These Indonesian-inspired shrimp cakes are packed with flavor from spicy sambal and refreshing lime zest – perfect for an exotic brunch or a delightful appetizer at dinner parties.

1 h 15 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Cakes

Shrimp

1 lb — peeled and deveined

Sambal oelek

1/4 cup

Lime zest

1 tablespoon

Scallions

1/4 cup, finely chopped

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Fish sauce

1 tablespoon

Breadcrumbs

1/4 cup

Egg

1, lightly beaten

For the Coating

All-purpose flour

1/2 cup

Salt

1/4 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/4 teaspoon

For Frying

Vegetable oil

for frying

For the Lime Dipping Sauce

Mayonnaise

1/4 cup

Lime juice

2 tablespoons

Sambal oelek

1 tablespoon

Salt

to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Shrimp Mixture

Pulse shrimp

In a food processor, pulse shrimp until finely chopped but not pasty.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sambal oelek, lime zest, scallions, garlic, fish sauce, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until well combined.

Shape and refrigerate

Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For extra crispiness, chill the shrimp mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying.

Preparing the Coating

Mix coating ingredients

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper.

Coat patties

Dredge each patty lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Ensure the patties are not too thick to cook evenly.

Cooking Process

Heat oil

Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry patties

Fry the patties in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Drain excess oil

Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Plating & Serving