imitation crab cakes recipe

imitation crab cakes recipe

The Best imitation crab cakes recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my imitation crab cakes recipe, a staple in our household for years now. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a healthier alternative to traditional crab cakes. As a busy mom, I wanted something that was easy to make and packed with flavor.

This recipe fits the bill perfectly, and my family loves it just as much as I do. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

I’ve made this recipe for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a quick weeknight dinner. My kids devour it in seconds, and my husband raves about how ‘just like the real thing’ it tastes. The secret lies in the combination of imitation crab meat, breadcrumbs, and spices that gives it a flavor so close to the real deal.

Plus, it’s a great way to get in some extra protein and veggies without even realizing it! One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a sandwich filling. And don’t even get me started on the leftovers – perfect for packing into lunches or reheating for a quick dinner.

Another bonus is that this recipe is super adaptable to dietary restrictions – just swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free or use vegan mayo instead of regular. My friend who’s gluten-free raved about how delicious this version turned out! This recipe has become such a staple in our household that we’ve even started using it as a base for other recipes – like adding diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.

My kids love helping me mix everything together and then watching them transform into crispy little patties in the oven.

Imitation Crab Cakes

Imitation Crab Cakes

4.7 from 1426 votes

Crispy golden patties made with imitation crab, breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings. These cakes are pan-fried until perfectly browned and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crab Cakes

1 lb imitation crab, shredded
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon lemon juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine shredded imitation crab, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, green onions, red bell pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper.
2Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
3Form the mixture into 8 equal patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.
4Place them on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6Once the oil shimmers, carefully place 4 patties in the skillet without crowding.
7Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the bottoms are deep golden brown and the edges look crispy.
8Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9Repeat with the remaining patties, adding more oil if needed.
10In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth.
11Serve the warm crab cakes with the dipping sauce on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Skillet
Spatula
Plate

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, use fresh panko breadcrumbs and avoid overmixing. You can also bake these at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.

Watch Video Of How Imitation Crab Cakes Works

This imitation crab cakes recipe has become one of my go-to recipes for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner. Not only is it ridiculously easy to make, but it’s also super adaptable to dietary restrictions and tastes amazing with whatever add-ins you choose.

The best part? It’s perfect for meal prep – just assemble everything ahead of time and bake when you’re ready.

And don’t worry if you’re short on time – these little patties cook up lightning-fast in no time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Imitation Crab Cakes

Q: What is imitation crab meat?

Imitation crab meat is a plant-based alternative to traditional crab meat made from surimi, which is typically made from pollock or other whitefish.

Q: What are the health benefits of imitation crab cakes?

The health benefits of imitation crab cakes lie in their high protein content from the imitation crab meat and their versatility in incorporating vegetables like onions and bell peppers.

Q: Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of vegan mayonnaise?

Sure! Regular mayonnaise works just fine in place of vegan mayonnaise.

Q: How do I store leftover imitation crab cakes?

You can store leftover imitation crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

Q: Can I reheat imitation crab cakes?

Yes! Reheating imitation crab cakes is easy – simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again.

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