If you're looking for a healthier version of the classic crab cake recipe without sacrificing taste, you're in luck!
Crab cakes are a popular dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. However, traditional recipes often call for mayonnaise, which can add unwanted calories and fat.
Fortunately, there are simple substitutions you can make to create a delicious crab cake recipe without mayo.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutes
To make crab cakes without mayo, you'll need to swap out the mayonnaise for an alternative.
Greek yogurt is a popular substitute for mayonnaise in crab cakes. It has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor that can complement the sweetness of crab meat.
Another option is avocado, which can add a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats to your crab cakes.
You can also use sour cream, cream cheese, or even mashed potatoes as a substitute for mayonnaise.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutes
If you are looking for a crab cake recipe without mayo, you might be wondering what ingredients you can use to bind the crab meat together. Here are some essential ingredients and substitutes that you can use to make delicious crab cakes without mayonnaise.
Choosing the Right Crab Meat
The first step in making crab cakes without mayo is to choose the right crab meat.
You can use any type of crab meat, but the best choice is lump crab meat.
Lump crab meat is the most expensive, but it has the best flavor and texture. You can also use canned crab meat, but make sure to drain it well before using it.
Binding Without Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is often used to bind crab cakes together, but you can use other ingredients as a substitute.
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayo because it has a similar texture and tangy flavor.
You can also use egg white, Dijon mustard, or avocado to bind the crab meat together.
Panko breadcrumbs are also a great substitute for regular breadcrumbs because they are lighter and crispier.
Seasoning and Flavour Enhancers
To add flavor to your crab cakes, you can use Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, or paprika.
You can also add some filler to the crab cakes, such as breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers.
If you are looking for a low-carb option, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Preparation and Cooking Guide
Mixing and Forming Crab Cakes
To make delicious crab cakes without mayo, you will need quality crab meat, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, and some seasonings.
In a large bowl, mix together the crab meat, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, scallions, Tabasco, celery seed, Old Bay, salt, and pepper until well combined.
You can use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients.
Once the ingredients are mixed, form the mixture into patties. You can make them any size you like, but 1/4 cup of mixture per patty is a good guideline. If you prefer smaller crab cakes, you can make mini crab cakes instead.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
There are several ways to cook crab cakes without mayo, including baking, pan-frying, broiling, and air frying.
To bake crab cakes, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
To pan-fry crab cakes, heat some avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
To broil crab cakes, place the patties on a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
If you're using an air fryer, place the patties in the basket and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
Serving and Storage Recommendations
Serve your crab cakes with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, or remoulade sauce.
You can also serve them with a side salad, coleslaw, grilled asparagus, or steamed potatoes.
For a creamy dressing, try Greek yogurt ranch dressing or creamy dill sauce.
To store leftover crab cakes, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Expert tips:
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
- If you're on a keto or wheat-free diet, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- To make ahead, mix the ingredients and form the patties, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
- For healthier crab cakes, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It has less fat and calories but still provides creaminess.
- To make vegan crab cakes, use mashed chickpeas or hearts of palm instead of crab meat, and vegan cajun remoulade sauce instead of regular remoulade sauce.
- For a variation, add some chopped shrimp to the crab mixture.
- For a richer flavor, add some melted butter to the crab mixture.
- To make the crab cakes gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good binder for crab cakes if I'm not using mayo?
Mayonnaise is often used as a binder in crab cake recipes, but there are plenty of alternatives.
You can use egg, breadcrumbs, or even mashed potatoes as a binding agent. These ingredients help hold the crab cake together and prevent it from falling apart.
How can I make crab cakes stick together without mayonnaise?
One way to make crab cakes stick together without mayonnaise is to use egg as a binding agent.
Beat an egg and mix it with the crab meat and other ingredients. The egg will help hold the crab cake together and prevent it from falling apart.
Can I use Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayo in crab cake recipes?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayo in crab cake recipes.
Greek yogurt is thick and creamy, and it can provide a tangy flavour and a similar texture to mayo. It's also high in protein and lower in fat than mayo, making it a healthier option.
What are some healthy alternatives to breadcrumbs in crab cakes?
Breadcrumbs are often used in crab cake recipes to help hold the cakes together and add texture. However, if you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use ground nuts, such as almonds or pecans, or even quinoa or cooked rice.
These ingredients will add a similar texture to breadcrumbs but provide more nutrition.
How do you keep crab cakes moist when omitting mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is often used in crab cake recipes to help keep the cakes moist. However, you can keep crab cakes moist without mayo by adding moisture-rich ingredients such as chopped onions, peppers, or celery.
You can also add a bit of olive oil to the mixture to help keep the cakes moist.
What's a simple way to flavour crab cakes without using traditional condiments?
If you're looking for a way to flavour crab cakes without using traditional condiments like mayo or mustard, you can try adding fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.
You can also add a bit of lemon zest or Old Bay seasoning for a classic crab cake flavour.