This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

Super juicy and tender, these baked shrimp cakes are baby and kid-friendly! Of course, the adults can enjoy them too. Make extra so there’s enough for everyone! You’ll love how easy these shrimp cakes are to make with only a handful of ingredients.

three shrimp tofu cakes with rice and broccoli served in a white bowl

We are HUGE lovers of shrimp. They are delicious, yes. But what I really appreciate is how EASY it is to cook them. Because ya know, sometimes cooking fish at home can feel…a bit intimidating.

Of course, you can do all kinds of fancy things with shrimp (Shrimp and Tofu Pad Thai, Vietnamese BBQ Shrimp noodle Bowl) But most of the time, I simply cook in a pan with some oil or butter and seasonings and serve with some vegetables and pasta or cooked grains.  Get in my belly!

Ingredients

all the ingredients laid out on a white background
  • Shrimp: Fresh or frozen
  • Tofu: Firm. don’t use the soft variety as the cakes won’t hold together well.
  • Vegetables: feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just be sure to chop them finely.
  • Egg: this recipe doesn’t require eggs. But, if your child isn’t allergic, try coating the cakes on both sides in whisked egg. It adds extra moisture, richness, and nutrition to the cakes while imparting a lovely golden color. Again, it’s not absolutely necessary.

Everything you need to know about: Shrimp and Tofu for Babies

Dietitian’s Tips

There is another top allergen in this recipe, tofu. So you may want to test for it prior to trying these cakes. That way, if your baby does have a reaction, you’ll know which ingredient is the culprit.

And if you’re curious about my stance on soy and whether or not it’s safe for babies, read this post – what’s the best milk for toddlers?

Why I added tofu in this recipe is because it’s a great source of many of the key nutrients during the early years – iron, protein, calcium, and zinc. It’s also what makes these cakes super tender and moist!

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. I like to use the flash freeze method.

Other Baby-Friendly Seafood Recipes

Did you make this baby and toddler-friendly Asian Shrimp Tofu Cakes? Follow me on Instagram post a photo and tag me, post a photo on my Facebook page, or save it to Pinterest. I love to see what you’re making! 

Want to save this recipe for later?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox. Plus you’ll get easy, family-friendly recipes every week to lighten your mealtime mental load.
4.97 from 61 votes

Easy baked shrimp cakes

These shrimp cakes are baked, not fried, and made with simple ingredients. Includes air fryer option, freezer tips, and toddler-friendly serving ideas.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 cakes

Ingredients 

  • 150 grams (1/3 pound) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 150 grams (5 ounces ) firm tofu
  • 90 grams (about 3/4 cup) finely chopped vegetables of choice (I used onion, red bell pepper, carrots), see note
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 egg (optional), whisked

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or silicone mat) and set aside.
  • Finely chop the vegetables using a food processor (or by hand if you prefer or prep ahead).
  • Add the tofu, shrimp, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to the food processor. Pulse until a thick paste forms. Don’t overprocess! it’s totally fine to see small tofu chunks. If you had prepped the veggies in advance, fold it in here.
  • Scoop and form into 8 small patties and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Optional: Dip cakes into the dish with the whisked egg. Make sure to coat both sides.
  • Transfer to prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Notes

  • Shrimp: Fresh or frozen
  • Tofu: Firm. don’t use the soft variety as the cakes won’t hold together well.
  • Vegetables: feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just be sure to chop them finely.
  • Egg: this recipe doesn’t require eggs. But, if your child isn’t allergic, try coating the cakes on both sides in whisked egg. It adds extra moisture, richness, and nutrition to the cakes while imparting a lovely golden color. Again, it’s not absolutely necessary.

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 53mg
Like this recipe? Rate and tag me on IG @kidfriendly.meals

About Min

Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

4.97 from 61 votes (54 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




33 Comments

  1. Do the shrimp need to be cooked before putting them in the food processer or will they simply cook when baking/frying the patty?

  2. Trying to use this recipe to get in as many of the big 9 allergens as possible to continue offering them in meal rotations. Any thoughts about adding salmon to these and, if so, how would you recommend? Love all your recipes!

    1. Hi Devon! I would just swap out shrimp with salmon and follow exactly. You can also try my mini baked salmon patties too!

  3. 5 stars
    Love the tofu in these. I keep in freezer and steam in microwave Anyday dish. My 8m old loves them.

    MJ has Bittman simplicity and flavor, but uniquely kid -friendly. Best recipe developer I’ve found as a new mom!

  4. 4 stars
    These just came out of the oven and look great. I didn’t get them ready in time for dinner, so wondering the best way to reheat? Thanks for all your clever ideas!

  5. 5 stars
    Thanks for this recipe. This was a huge hit with my baby. He devoured them. So now I want to make a big batch.

    Question, do you freeze them before cooking or after cooking please?

    Thank you