Description
These Irresistibly Crispy Crab Cake Bites are a delightful explosion of flavor, featuring a golden-brown crust that gives way to tender, flaky crab meat. Each bite is enhanced by a zesty lemon-dill sauce that adds a refreshing brightness, making them an unforgettable appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crab Cakes:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Zesty Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, red bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Form the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the crab cakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Carefully add the crab cakes to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary, and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- For the sauce, whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve the crab cake bites warm with the zesty lemon-dill sauce on the side.
Notes
- Make-ahead: The crab cakes can be prepared and formed a day in advance; just keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Storage: Leftover crab cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Substitutions: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also substitute crab meat with shrimp or lobster for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizers
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 crab cake bites with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 15 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
Keywords: Crispy Crab Cakes, Crab Cake Bites, Zesty Lemon-Dill Sauce, Appetizer Recipe, Seafood Appetizer, Easy Crab Cakes, Party Food, Gluten-Free Crab Cakes, Homemade Crab Cakes, Delicious Crab Bites, Quick Appetizer, Flavorful Crab Cakes, Fresh Seafood Recipe, Elegant Appetizer, Comfort Food