Spicy Crab Cakes with Walnut Crust

DESCRIPTION

A crunchy crust of chopped walnuts and bread crumbs provides contrasting texture to these light crab cakes.

Total Time
2 Hrs, 35 Mins
Serves
16
Meal
Dinner Lunch
Course
Appetizers

Total Time

Prep Time
25 Mins
Cook Time
2 Hrs, 10 Mins
Total Time
2 Hrs, 35 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
430 cal
Total Fat
11 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3 g
Cholesterol
95 mg
Sodium
820 mg
Carbohydrates
19 g
Dietary Fiber
1 g
Protein
16 g

Ingredients

For the Walnut Coating:

  • 1 1/2 cups panko Japanese-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped California walnuts

For the Crab Mixture:

  • 1 pound fresh crab meat, or 4 six-ounce cans crab
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped California walnuts
  • 2 cups panko Japanese-style breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs, beaten together
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Asian chili garlic sauce or chili paste
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons, or more, canola oil
  • Lemon wedges
     

For The Wasabi Mayonnaise:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 teaspoons prepared wasabi paste

Preparation

For The Walnut Coating:

  1. Combine crumbs and walnuts in a shallow dish; set aside.

For the Wasabi Mayonnaise:

  1. Combine mayonnaise and wasabi; cover and keep refrigerated.

For The Crab Cakes:

  1. Remove any stray pieces of shell or cartilage if using fresh crab. If using canned crab, drain, gently pressing out excess liquid. In large bowl, combine crab with crumbs, mayonnaise, walnuts, red pepper, chives, eggs, chile sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Crab cakes will be easier to shape when chilled.
  2. Prepare wax paper-lined trays. For each crab cake, measure out 1/4 cup of mixture, pat and shape into cakes about 3/4-inches thick. Very gently press the top and bottom of each cake into walnut coating, leaving sides uncoated. Set the cakes on prepared trays.
  3. Heat enough oil to cover surface in large frypan over medium-high heat. Brown cakes in batches, a few minutes on each side, or until golden. Serve with lemon wedges and 1 tablespoon Wasabi Mayonnaise on the side.