These Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli are a delightful appetizer perfect for festive gatherings like Christmas Eve. They are packed with fresh crab meat and seasoned to perfection, making them a crowd-pleaser.
The accompanying lemon aioli adds a zesty touch that complements the sweetness of the crab. This straightforward recipe is easy to follow and will impress your guests with its flavor and presentation.
Delicious Mini Crab Cakes with Zesty Lemon Aioli
This recipe features tender crab cakes made with lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices, all served with a creamy lemon aioli. The preparation time is about 30 minutes, and it serves 4-6 people, making it an ideal Christmas Eve recipe.
Ingredients
- 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 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Oil for frying
- For the Lemon Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the Cakes: Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Refrigerate the crab cakes for at least 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Cook the Crab Cakes: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the crab cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Lemon Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Serve: Arrange the crab cakes on a platter and serve warm with the lemon aioli on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
