Spiced Carrot and Crab Cakes with Zesty Dill Dip
Elevate your lunch or snack time with these delectable Spiced Carrot and Crab Cakes, bursting with the natural sweetness of carrots and the savory depth of imitation crab. This flavorful dish is packed with wholesome ingredients including tender steamed carrots, creamy chickpeas, fresh scallions, and vibrant asparagus—providing a satisfying, nutritious twist on traditional crab cakes. Lightly spiced with curry powder and cayenne, these cakes are baked or skillet-cooked to crispy perfection. The cakes can be enjoyed on their own or served as a gourmet sandwich, complete with a zesty dill dip for an added burst of flavor. Ideal for a quick lunch or as a crowd-pleasing snack at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
baby carrots
13 (steamed)
chickpeas
1/2 cup (drained (cooked or canned))
lime or lemon
1/2 (juice of)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
imitation crabmeat
1/4-1/3 lb (chopped)
asparagus
3 large spears (chopped, divided)
scallion
1 large (chopped, divided)
curry powder
3/8 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional, adjust for heat)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
to taste
whole wheat bread
3 slices (toasted and made into crumbs, divided)
oregano
(to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by steaming the baby carrots until tender, then allow them to cool slightly.
2
In a food processor, combine the steamed carrots, chickpeas, lime (or lemon) juice, and garlic. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.
3
Add half of the chopped asparagus and half of the scallions to the mixture, pulsing until just combined.
4
Transfer the vegetable mixture to a medium mixing bowl, then gently fold in the chopped imitation crab, remaining asparagus, and scallions.
5
Sprinkle in the curry powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
6
Stir in half of the breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. The consistency will be sticky but manageable.
7
Using your hands, form the mixture into 6 patties. Coat each side of the patties with the remaining breadcrumbs.
8
Generously sprinkle oregano on both sides of the patties, then season with additional black pepper to taste.
9
Cook the crab cakes by either: (1) heating a nonstick skillet and adding a little water and vegetable broth (or cooking spray) to prevent sticking; or (2) baking them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
10
Serve immediately, either on their own or in a sandwich with your favorite condiments. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
0.8g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2.3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Carrot and Crab Cakes?
They are a nutritious twist on traditional crab cakes made with steamed carrots, chickpeas, imitation crab, asparagus, and a blend of warm spices like curry and cumin.
How many calories are in one carrot and crab cake?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include baby carrots, chickpeas, imitation crabmeat, asparagus, scallions, and whole wheat breadcrumbs.
How do I prepare the carrots for this recipe?
The baby carrots should be steamed until tender and allowed to cool slightly before being blended.
Can I bake these crab cakes instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
How do I cook them in a skillet without a lot of oil?
Use a nonstick skillet with a small amount of water and vegetable broth, or a light coating of cooking spray, to prevent sticking.
What spices give these cakes their flavor?
The flavor comes from a combination of curry powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, black pepper, and dried oregano.
Are these crab cakes gluten-free?
As written, they contain whole wheat breadcrumbs. To make them gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
How many patties does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 patties.
What is the role of chickpeas in this recipe?
Chickpeas are blended with carrots to provide a creamy, protein-rich base and act as a binder for the cakes.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Yes, either lime or lemon juice can be used to provide the necessary citrus acidity.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat due to the curry powder and cayenne pepper; however, the cayenne is optional and can be adjusted to your preference.
What is the fat content of these cakes?
These cakes are very low in fat, containing only 0.8g per serving.
Do I put all the asparagus in the food processor?
No, you pulse half of the chopped asparagus in the processor and fold the remaining half in later for added texture.
How do I make the breadcrumbs?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of whole wheat bread, toasted and then processed into crumbs.
Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 to 1/3 lb of fresh or canned crab meat for the imitation crab.
What is the dietary fiber content?
Each serving provides 2g of dietary fiber.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these are great for lunch and can be served immediately or used as a gourmet sandwich filling.
How much protein is in each cake?
There are approximately 2.3g of protein per cake.
How do I handle the sticky mixture when forming patties?
The mixture will be sticky, but using breadcrumbs to coat the outside of the patties helps make them manageable.
Can I omit the scallions?
Yes, though they provide a fresh savory flavor. You could substitute with finely chopped chives or red onion if preferred.
What should I serve with these cakes?
They pair perfectly with a zesty dill dip, on a sandwich, or alongside a fresh green salad.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 1 minced clove of garlic.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe require salt?
The recipe relies on spices and imitation crab for flavor; additional salt is not specified, but you can season with black pepper to taste.
How do I incorporate the oregano?
Sprinkle the oregano generously on both sides of the patties after they have been coated in breadcrumbs.
What is the texture of these cakes?
They have a smooth, creamy interior from the carrots and chickpeas with a light crunch from the asparagus and breadcrumb coating.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian; however, please note that most imitation crab is made from fish (surimi). For a strictly vegetarian version, use a plant-based seafood substitute.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly; just ensure they are drained before adding to the food processor.
How long does it take to steam the carrots?
Steaming baby carrots usually takes about 5-8 minutes until they are tender enough to be easily pierced by a fork.