Crab cakes are a beloved dish that can be enjoyed on their own or mixed with other ingredients for a satisfying meal. While many people may buy packaged crab cakes from the grocery store or order them at a restaurant, making whole food crab cakes at home is easy and much healthier. In this article, we’ll go over how to bake your own mouth-watering whole food crab cakes using simple and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Before you start making the crab cakes, you will need to gather all the ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh or canned crab meat (make sure there are no shell fragments)
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or ghee (for greasing the baking sheet)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
The first step in making whole food crab cakes is to prepare the crab meat. If using fresh, make sure it is thoroughly rinsed and any shell fragments removed.
Next, crack two eggs into a bowl and whisk them until they’re well-beaten. Add almond flour, chopped green onions, mustard powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the bowl. Mix all these ingredients until they’re very well combined before gently folding in the prepared crab meat.
Shaping The Cakes
After mixing altogether, set aside the batter whilst you heat up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread some coconut oil over the baking sheet so it doesn’t stick as they cook.
Using your hands form small patties approximately 2 inches wide by 1 inch thick out of the batter mix. Ensure that each patty has enough space around them so that they cook evenly when placed on the baking sheet.
Baking Instructions
Place each patty onto lined baking sheets then put them into the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Check regularly to make sure they’re not burning on top and that the crab cakes are firm but soft. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Whole food crab cakes can be served in many ways, both as a starter or part of a main course meal. Here are some ideas:
- Place atop a bed of mixed greens with olive oil and lemon juice drizzled over the top.
- As a side dish, serve roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts.
- For lettuce cups, use some avocado & hot sauce.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
If you want to enjoy whole food crab cakes with wine, try pairing it with refreshing white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These crisp whites work well with seafood.
Beer Pairing Suggestions
If beer is preferred instead of wine, light-bodied ale or lager are great options to pair with your crab cakes. A blonde or pilsner has just enough body and flavour to complement the dish without overpowering it.
Conclusion
As we’ve gone through in this article, it’s surprisingly easy to make whole food crab cakes using simple wholesome ingredients from scratch. By following the cooking instructions shared above, anyone should be able to prepare delicious homemade crab cakes that are good enough for special events but also perfect for an everyday dinner item. Plus making them at home have very little processed ingredients compared to store-packaged types too! So if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen tonight give it a go!
Q&A
- Q: What ingredients do I need to make whole food crab cakes? A: To make delicious and healthy crab cakes, you’ll need 1 pound of lump crab meat, 2 slices of whole grain bread, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 egg, a half cup of finely diced celery and onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt and pepper to taste.
- Q: Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe? A: While fresh or frozen crab meat is always ideal for making tasty crab cakes, canned crab meat can also work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Q: Why do I need to use whole grain bread for this recipe? Can’t I just use regular bread crumbs? A: Whole grain bread adds extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular bread crumbs. It also has a chewier texture that helps bind the crab cake mixture together without adding unnecessary calories.
- Q: How should I serve my whole food crab cakes? A: You can serve your healthy and delicious crab cakes on a bed of mixed greens with lemon wedges on the side for a simple yet elegant meal. Alternatively, you can serve them as appetizers with a dollop of spicy aioli or tartar sauce for dipping.
