Cranberry-Lemon Crab Cakes
Indulge in these healthier baked Cranberry-Lemon Crab Cakes, which are delightful morsels perfect for any occasion! Packed with the sweetness of fresh cranberries and the zesty brightness of lemon, these crab cakes are loaded with fresh crab meat and melted Swiss cheese, creating a balance of flavors that will impress your guests. Baked to a perfect crisp and served with zesty lemon wedges, these cakes are a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Don’t forget, refrigerating the patties for an hour before baking helps them maintain their shape and crispiness, making these crab cakes as easy to prepare as they are delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh crabmeat
1 1/4 lbs (flaked)
breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (divided)
Swiss cheese
1 cup (shredded)
plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup (none)
green onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
parsley
1/4 cup (minced)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
fresh cranberries
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the flaked crabmeat with 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and the shredded Swiss cheese.
2
Add in the plain yogurt, finely chopped green onions, minced parsley, lemon juice, minced garlic, and finely chopped cranberries. Stir until well mixed.
3
Carefully fold in the beaten egg, ensuring not to break up the crabmeat too much.
4
Shape the mixture into 12 patties, each about 3 inches in diameter.
5
Spray both sides of each patty with nonfat cooking spray to achieve a crispy texture.
6
Spread the remaining breadcrumbs on a sheet of waxed paper, and gently coat each patty on both sides.
7
Transfer the coated crab cakes to a plate, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
8
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
9
Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonfat cooking spray and place the patties evenly spaced on the sheet.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the patties are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
11
Serve the crab cakes hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of citrus.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry-Lemon Crab Cakes?
They are a healthier baked appetizer or main dish featuring fresh crabmeat, zesty lemon, sweet cranberries, and melted Swiss cheese.
How many crab cakes does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 12 crab cake patties.
What size should each crab cake be?
Each patty should be shaped to about 3 inches in diameter.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The crab cakes should be baked in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long do the crab cakes need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Why must the crab cakes be refrigerated before baking?
Refrigerating the patties for at least 1 hour helps them firm up, maintain their shape, and achieve better crispiness.
What type of crabmeat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of fresh, flaked crabmeat.
What kind of cheese is used in these crab cakes?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese for a rich, melted flavor.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, the recipe specifically requires 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh cranberries.
What is used as a binder instead of heavy mayonnaise?
Plain nonfat yogurt and one lightly beaten egg are used to bind the ingredients together healthily.
How much breadcrumbs are needed in total?
You will need 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs, which are divided between the mixture and the outer coating.
How do I ensure the crab cakes are crispy?
Spray both sides of each patty with nonfat cooking spray and coat them in breadcrumbs before baking.
Do I need to flip the crab cakes while they are in the oven?
Yes, you should flip the patties halfway through the 20-minute cooking time for even browning.
How much lemon juice is required for the mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What herbs are added to the crab cake mixture?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley.
How much garlic should be used?
One teaspoon of minced garlic is recommended for the mix.
Are these crab cakes fried?
No, these crab cakes are baked in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions.
What should I serve with the crab cakes?
They are best served hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of finely chopped green onions.
What is the first step in preparing the crab cakes?
The first step is to gently combine the flaked crabmeat with 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and the shredded Swiss cheese.
How should the egg be incorporated?
The lightly beaten egg should be carefully folded in at the end to avoid breaking up the crabmeat too much.
What is the best way to coat the patties in breadcrumbs?
Spread the remaining breadcrumbs on waxed paper and gently press each side of the patty into them.
Can I use a nonfat cooking spray?
Yes, nonfat cooking spray is used on the patties themselves and the baking sheet to prevent sticking and add crispness.
What is the texture of the finished crab cakes?
The finished crab cakes should be golden brown on the outside and moist on the inside with melted cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: crabmeat, breadcrumbs, Swiss cheese, yogurt, green onion, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, cranberries, and egg.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, the addition of cranberries and the elegant presentation make these perfect for holiday appetizers.
Should the yogurt be flavored?
No, you should use plain nonfat yogurt to ensure the flavors of the crab and lemon remain balanced.
How should I flake the crabmeat?
Gently break the crabmeat into small pieces by hand or with a fork before adding it to the mixing bowl.
Can these be served as a main dish?
Yes, while they are excellent appetizers, they also make a fantastic seafood main dish.
What provides the 'zesty brightness' mentioned in the description?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and fresh cranberries provides a zesty, bright flavor profile.