Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Servings: 12 each | Time: 30 minutes

The best crab cakes are those that are chock-full of crab and skimpy on the filler. These mini versions are lightened up with a combination of whipping cream and sour cream. Make sure you purchase fresh cooked crab from the seafood counter.

Directions

Crab Cakes

 

  1. For Crab Cakes, in large skillet cook shallot in hot butter over medium heat 3 minutes or until soft and tender. Remove from skillet; let cool.

 

  1. Heat same skillet over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup panko to skillet. Toast lightly 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove panko from skillet; let cool.

 

  1. Line large bowl with folded paper towels. Add crab to paper towels; squeeze to remove excess liquid. Discard any liquid in bowl. Add crab back to bowl. Add sour cream, lemon juice, whipping cream, cooked shallots, chives, salt, and pepper. Fold ingredients into crab. Stir in cooled toasted panko. Cover and chill mixture 30 minutes.
  2. Place flour in shallow dish. Place beaten egg mixture in another shallow dish. Place remaining panko in another shallow dish. Using rounded tablespoon for each, form crab mixture into 16 small cakes. Lightly coat each crab cake with flour, then egg mixture, then panko.

 

  1. In large skillet heat 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Add half of crab cakes to skillet; cook 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Transfer to baking sheet. Keep warm in 200°F oven. Repeat with remaining oil and crab cakes. Serve with Lemon Aioli.

 

Lemon Aioli

 

  1. For Lemon Aioli, in blender or food processor combine garlic, egg product, lemon juice and salt. Cover and blend or process 5 seconds or until smooth. With blender or food processor running, gradually add oil in thin, steady stream. When necessary, stop machine; scrape down sides. Fold in chives. Serve or cover and chill up to 3 days.

 

Ingredients

Crab Cakes

 

1          small shallot, minced

1          tablespoon butter

1 1/4      cups panko, divided

8          ounces cooked crab, rinsed and picked clean

1/2        cup sour cream

2          tablespoons lemon juice

1          tablespoon whipping cream

1          tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1          teaspoon kosher salt

1/2        teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3          tablespoons all-purpose flour

1          egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water

1/2        cup canola or vegetable oil

 

 

Lemon Aioli

 

4 to 6     cloves garlic, peeled and halved

1/4        cup refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed

2          tablespoons lemon juice

1/4        teaspoon kosher salt

3/4        cup canola oil

1          tablespoon chopped fresh chives