Half-Moon Shrimp Cakes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, golden shrimp cakes shaped like half-moons, served with a tangy mango-lime dipping sauce for a refreshing contrast. This Asian Fusion-inspired grilling recipe (dairy-free), ready in about 45 minutes, layers shrimp, peeled and deveined, breadcrumbs, egg into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 8 Asian Fusion cuisine 240 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, finely chop 1/2 bunch green onions and 1/4 cup cilantro. Add 1 lb shrimp, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix until combined.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 16 small patties, shaping each into a half-moon. Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Fry patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: For sauce: Dice 1/2 ripe mango and mix with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Chill for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve shrimp cakes with mango-lime sauce on the side, garnished with additional cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Moon Shrimp Cakes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Half-Moon Shrimp Cakes?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Moon Shrimp Cakes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Moon Shrimp Cakes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Half-Moon Shrimp Cakes dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying