Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli
These easy Mini Crab Cakes are a burst of flavor with fresh crab meat and a zesty lemon aioli, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crab Cakes
- 1 lb crab meat Fresh or canned, it’s your choice!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs For texture and binding.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise Adds creaminess to the mixture.
- 1 large egg, beaten Acts as a binder.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard A touch of tanginess.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Boosts umami flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions For freshness and a pop of color.
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning The classic crab seasoning.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for flavor balance.
- Oil for frying Your preferred oil for that golden finish.
For the Lemon Aioli
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise Used as a base for the aioli.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
- 1 tsp lemon zest For added citrus flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Drain and pick through the crab meat to ensure there are no shells. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
- In the bowl with the crab meat, add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chopped green onions, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Combine everything gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much.
- Once the mixture is well combined, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Form the mixture into small patties, aiming for a size of about two to three inches in diameter.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, pour enough oil to coat the bottom, about 1/4 inch. Heat it over medium heat until shimmering.
- Gently place the crab cakes into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Once cooked, transfer the crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Making Lemon Aioli
- While the crab cakes are frying, combine mayonnaise with freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth.
Serving
- Plate your mini crab cakes alongside the lemon aioli. Garnish with additional green onions or lemon wedges for presentation. Serve them warm for the best experience.
Notes
To customize, feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. Consider adding finely chopped herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.