Crab cakes are perfect for those who love seafood. They are delicious and easy to make. These savory cakes are made using fresh crab. But unfortunately, fresh crab can be hard to come by. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make and enjoy crab cakes. You can always choose to use canned crab. If you are wondering how to make crab cakes with canned crab? Read ahead and find out!

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Can you make crab cakes with canned crab?

The short answer is that you can make crab cakes with canned crab! Although most people prefer using fresh crab meat for crab cakes, you can also use canned meat. The process is similar to making them with fresh crab, but you must keep a few things in mind.

Tips to Remember

Here are some tips and tricks to remember when making this dish.

Light mayo is one of the most important ingredients for making crab cakes with canned crab. When choosing a mayonnaise, you can opt for a light or low-fat variety to keep your crab cakes low in calories and fat.
You can also add Sriracha or hot sauce to add spice and kick.
Plain breadcrumbs are essential when making these delicious seafood treats! Choose plain breadcrumbs for best results; flavored varieties can be too strong and overpowering for this particular dish.
When mixing all of your ingredients, ensure to work them evenly; otherwise, you’ll end up with tough and chewy crab cakes instead of tender ones! Gently fold everything together until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
It is better to form small patties out of your mixture and then refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before cooking them in oil or butter over medium-low heat until they turn golden brown on both sides.

Variation Ideas

Here are some ideas for variation while making crab cakes:

Different Kind of Crab Meat: The type of crab meat used in a recipe makes a big difference in the flavor and texture of the finished product. The most common types of crab meat are lump, claw, and flake varieties. Lump crab meat is larger chunks of white meat with a sweet flavor and delicate texture. Claw meat is darker in color and has a more intense flavor than lump meat. Flake meat is shredded into small pieces with a light, subtle flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. Experimenting with different types of crabmeat will give your crab cakes unique flavors and textures.
Seasonings: Adding seasonings to your crab cake mixture helps to enhance the flavor of the crab. Popular seasonings include Old Bay, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also use fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, and dill to boost flavor.
Crackers: Adding crackers to your crab cake mixture helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the cakes a crunchy texture. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for their light and crispy texture. You can also experiment with other crackers, such as saltines or Ritz. Use ground nuts such as almonds or walnuts instead of crackers if you prefer a gluten-free option.
Cheese: Adding cheese to your crab cake mixture will give it an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. You can experiment with different types of cheese.

Different ways of cooking crab cakes

Let’s explore the different ways of cooking crab cakes:

Fry: Crab cakes are traditionally cooked by deep frying them in oil or butter. This method produces a crispy outer layer and a soft, succulent inside. It is also one of the quickest methods for preparing crab cakes, as it only takes a few minutes to cook them.
Air Fry: Air frying is another great option for preparing crab cakes as it requires less oil than traditional deep-frying methods but still produces a crispy outside and juicy inside.
Bake: Baking is another popular way of preparing crab cakes, as it allows you to achieve a crunchy outside while keeping the interior moist and juicy.
Grill: Grilling is an excellent way of cooking crab cakes, giving them a smoky flavor.

What to serve with crab cakes

Let’s explore the best accompaniments for crab cakes, from simple sides to more complex dishes.

Salads: Salads such as coleslaw, potato salad, or mixed greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crab cake. They also add a layer of texture and flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Sauces and Dips: Sauces and dips are another great way to enhance your crab cake experience. Aioli is a classic accompaniment that adds creaminess and tanginess to balance the dish’s flavors. You could also make your remoulade sauce using mayonnaise, mustard, capers, and herbs for added depth of flavor. For something lighter, yogurt-based sauces such as tzatziki or raita are also great options!