Introducing shrimp to your little one doesn’t have to be complicated. These easy shrimp patties are soft, flavorful, and the perfect size for tiny hands. They’re made with just a few simple ingredients and can be enjoyed by both babies and toddlers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Just shrimp, egg, flour, and seasonings.
- Baby-friendly: Soft and easy to chew, ideal for baby-led weaning.
- Quick to make: Ready in about 15 minutes.
- Customizable: Add extra herbs or veggies for variety.
Why Introduce Shrimp Early?
Shrimp is considered a major allergen along with peanuts, eggs, dairy, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and fish. Current research suggests that introducing allergens early (around 6–12 months) may help reduce the risk of food allergies.
I waited until my baby had already tried several other foods before offering shrimp as our 7th allergen. We had already introduced peanuts, eggs, dairy, and soy successfully, so I felt comfortable offering seafood. Of course, always check with your pediatrician before introducing allergens, especially if your baby has severe eczema or a family history of food allergies.
Whether you’re starting baby-led weaning or still doing a mix of spoon-feeding, this recipe is flexible. You can mince the shrimp for patties, blend it into a puree, or even bake the mixture for a softer, hands-off cooking option!
Serving Options
- For babies (7–9 months): Keep it whole or cut patties into strips or halves so they can hold and gnaw safely.
- For toddlers: Serve whole patties with dips like mashed avocado, plain yogurt, or hummus.
Tips for Success
- Go slow: Offer shrimp earlier in the day so you have time to watch for any allergic reactions.
- Keep it simple: Avoid adding salt, sauces, or too many seasonings. Babies don’t need extra sodium.
- Make ahead: These patties can be made in batches and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. They also freeze well for up to 1 month.
FAQ
Can a 7-month-old eat shrimp?
Yes, if your baby is developmentally ready for solids and has already tried other foods, shrimp can be introduced around 6–7 months. Always serve it in a safe texture, either minced in patties, blended into a puree, or cut lengthwise into halves.
How do I prepare shrimp safely for babies?
Shrimp should be fully cooked, deveined, and chopped finely. Serving it in patty form reduces choking risk and makes it easier for babies to grasp.
Can I bake shrimp patties instead of pan frying?
Yes! Baking is a hands-off method and produces a softer texture. Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
Introducing shrimp to your baby doesn’t have to be stressful. These easy shrimp patties are quick to make, customizable, and perfect for both babies and toddlers. Whether you pan fry, bake, or blend into a puree, this recipe is a nutritious and safe way to add variety to your baby’s diet.
By making shrimp patties, I was able to introduce our 7th allergen confidently and give my baby a new texture to explore. This recipe has quickly become a staple in our rotation now!
Easy Shrimp Patties (Baby & Toddler Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shrimp finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- Oil for pan frying
Instructions
- Finely chop your cooked shrimp until it has a minced texture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, egg, flour, garlic powder, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and flatten slightly into small patties.
- Pan fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool before serving. For babies, cut into strips or halves for easy grasping.
