Crab Cakes with Red Chili Mayo

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + chilling Cook: 10 min./batch

Makes

2 dozen (1 cup sauce)

Updated: Feb. 03, 2023
This is one of the most popular appetizers I make and is lovely for a party. The spicy mayo is a perfect accent to the crab cakes. —Tiffany Anderson-Taylor, Gulfport, Florida

Ingredients

  • 1-1/3 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Thai chili sauce
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice, divided
  • 1/4 cup each finely chopped celery, red onion and sweet red pepper
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 pound fresh crabmeat
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chili sauce and 1-1/4 teaspoons lemon juice. Set aside.
  2. In a small skillet, saute the celery, onion, red pepper and jalapeno in 1 tablespoon oil until tender. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the bread crumbs, egg, 1/2 cup reserved mayonnaise mixture and remaining lemon juice. Fold in crab. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining mayonnaise mixture for sauce.
  3. Place flour in a shallow bowl. Drop crab mixture by 2 tablespoonfuls into flour. Gently coat and shape into a 1/2-in.-thick patty. Repeat with remaining mixture.
  4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties in remaining oil in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve with reserved sauce.
Peppers (Hot)
Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 140 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.