Tropical Delight Crab Cakes
These Tropical Delight Crab Cakes are a refreshing twist on the classic Maryland style. With a light and crispy exterior, they enclose a tender, flavor-packed inside that combines the sweetness of fresh crabmeat with aromatic herbs and zesty lime. The addition of white cheddar crackers provides an irresistible crunch, while the hint of sweet pickle juice and soy sauce gives them a unique depth of flavor. Perfect for a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering, these crab cakes are sure to impress your guests and satiate your seafood cravings without being too heavy.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lump crabmeat
1 lb (picked through to remove shells)
vidalia onion
1/2 (chopped)
butter
4 tablespoons (divided)
green onion
1 (chopped)
white cheddar cheese flavored cracker
1/3 cup (crushed (recommended - White Cheddar Cheese Itz))
mayonnaise
1/3 cup
garlic salt
2 teaspoons
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
soy sauce
1 teaspoon
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
pickle juice
1 teaspoon (sweet, from bread and butter pickles or sweet gherkins)
lime
1/2 (juiced)
cilantro
1 tablespoon (finely chopped fresh)
egg
1 (beaten)
flour
2 tablespoons
canola oil
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a small skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped vidalia onion along with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, cooking until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lump crabmeat, chopped green onion, 1/3 cup of crushed white cheddar crackers, mayonnaise, remaining garlic salt, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, lime juice, cilantro, and the beaten egg. Gently mix until well incorporated without breaking the crabmeat too much.
3
Shape the mixture into small patties about the size of the palm of your hand.
4
On a plate, mix together the flour and the remaining 1 cup of crushed white cheddar crackers. Dredge each crab cake in the mixture, coating both sides lightly, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5
Cover and refrigerate the crab cakes for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
6
In a large skillet, combine the canola oil and remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the crab cakes into the skillet.
7
Cook the crab cakes for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
8
Once cooked, transfer the crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving. Enjoy them warm with a squeeze of lime or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Delight Crab Cakes?
They are a refreshing seafood dish featuring lump crabmeat with a light, crispy exterior and a tender inside seasoned with aromatic herbs, zesty lime, and white cheddar crackers.
What is the primary protein in this recipe?
The main protein is one pound of lump crabmeat, which should be picked through to remove any remaining shells.
What kind of onion is recommended for these crab cakes?
The recipe calls for a half of a Vidalia onion, which is chopped and sautéed until translucent.
How much butter is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of butter is used, divided between sautéing the onions and frying the crab cakes.
What specific cracker is recommended for the crunch?
White Cheddar Cheez-Its are recommended for the crushed cracker component to provide an irresistible crunch.
How much mayonnaise is included in the mixture?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of mayonnaise to help bind the crabmeat and provide moisture.
What seasonings provide the flavor profile?
The crab cakes are seasoned with garlic salt, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and sweet pickle juice.
Why is sweet pickle juice used?
Sweet pickle juice, preferably from bread and butter pickles, adds a unique depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Is there a spicy kick to these crab cakes?
Yes, a small amount of cayenne pepper (1/8 teaspoon) is added for a subtle heat.
What role does lime play in this recipe?
The juice of half a lime is mixed into the crab cakes, and extra lime wedges can be served on the side for a zesty finish.
Is fresh cilantro used?
Yes, one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro is included in the crab cake mixture.
What is the purpose of the egg?
One beaten egg acts as a binder to help hold the crab cake patties together during the cooking process.
How should the crabmeat be mixed?
The ingredients should be mixed gently to avoid breaking up the lump crabmeat too much, preserving the texture.
What size should the crab cake patties be?
The mixture should be shaped into small patties roughly the size of the palm of your hand.
What is the dredging mixture made of?
The patties are dredged in a mixture of 1 cup of crushed white cheddar crackers and 2 tablespoons of flour.
Why must the crab cakes be refrigerated before cooking?
Refrigerating the patties for at least one hour helps them firm up so they don't fall apart in the skillet.
How long should the crab cakes chill?
They should be covered and refrigerated for at least 1 hour.
What type of oil is used for frying?
A half cup of canola oil is combined with butter for frying the crab cakes.
How do you cook the crab cakes in the skillet?
Heat the oil and butter over medium heat, then cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Should I cook all the crab cakes at once?
It is recommended to avoid overcrowding the skillet; you should cook them in batches if necessary.
What should I do after the crab cakes are cooked?
Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil before serving.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 12.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in these crab cakes?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What makes this a 'Tropical' delight?
The combination of lime, cilantro, and sweet notes from the pickle juice gives it a bright, Caribbean-inspired flavor profile.
Can I use different crackers for the crust?
While white cheddar crackers are recommended for the specific flavor, you could use standard crackers, though the flavor profile will change.
Is this recipe considered an appetizer or a main dish?
It can serve as both; the tags suggest it works well as an appetizer, a light dinner, or a one-dish meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ingredients in total, ranging from seafood to pantry staples like flour and spices.
How do I prepare the Vidalia onion?
Sauté the chopped onion in butter with garlic salt for 3-5 minutes until translucent, then let it cool before adding it to the crab.
What is the best way to serve these?
They are best enjoyed warm with a fresh squeeze of lime or your favorite dipping sauce.