pantry essentials: Quick crab cakes

Can we be honest for a second? I was very skeptical about canned crab meat because I am such a big fan of fresh crab meat but not the price. It’s usually $20 for 1/2 pound! So, I was willingly to take the chance with a $5.00 can. SO happy I did because I made these delicious crab cakes. These are so easy, quick and more importantly affordable!

 
 
 

pantry essentials: Quick crab cakes

Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Makes: 4 patties

Ingredients:

2 6-ounce cans crabmeat in water**, drained well and reserving the liquid

3 tablespoons chopped parsley and finely chopped stems, separated

1 1/4 cup panko or matzo meal or breadcrumbs

1/4 small onion, finely chopped, about 3 tablespoons

1 tablespoon dijon or yellow mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning

1 large egg, beaten

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup mayonnaise or Japanese mayonnaise, such as Kewpie*

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and roughly chopped

1/2 lemon, finely zested and cut into 2 wedges

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix the crab meat, 2 tablespoons parsley, parsley stems, 1/4 cup panko, onion, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, Worcestershire, 2 teaspoons Old Bay, egg, 1/4 teaspoon salt and few ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Form 4 patties and place on a plate to chill for 5 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, stir the mayonnaise, capers, remaining Old Bay and mustard, lemon zest and juice of 1 wedge (about 2 teaspoons), 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

  3. Remove the patties from the fridge and coat with the remaining 1 cup of panko. Heat half the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add two patties and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Flip and cook until golden brown and warm through, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining two patties.

  4. When all patties are ready, sprinkle with parsley and serve with the sauce and remaining lemon wedge on the side.

Cook’s Note

What is Kewpie Mayo?*

Kewpie mayonnaise is a Japanese mayonnaise. It has a rich and creamy texture made from egg yolks and a unique blend of vinegars, this “umami” style mayonnaise has a refreshing aroma and a tangy depth of taste. Try it for yourself by clicking this.