How to Make the Perfect Vegan Crab Cakes
American · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
These impressive vegan crab cakes are made with hearts of palm and chickpeas to perfectly mimic the texture and flavor of classic crab cakes. This plant-based vegan appetizer is seasoned with Old Bay and served with a tangy vegan remoulade for a truly satisfying bite.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan Crab Cakes recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 210 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 can hearts of palm drained and shredded
- 0.5 cup canned chickpeas mashed
- 0.33 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
- 1.5 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for pan frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare Mixture
Shred drained hearts of palm using your hands to create a flaky texture similar to crab meat. Combine with mashed chickpeas, panko breadcrumbs, vegan mayonnaise, Old Bay, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl and mix well.
Step 2: Form Patties
Shape the mixture into 8 small patties about half an inch thick, pressing firmly so they hold together. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 3: Pan Fry
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside, being careful when flipping.
Step 4: Serve
Drain cooked vegan crab cakes on paper towels briefly and serve with vegan remoulade, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs. Serve hot for the best texture.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- hearts of palm → jackfruit drained and shredded for a similar texture
- panko breadcrumbs → gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the refrigeration step which causes patties to fall apart in the pan
- Using too high heat which burns the outside before the inside warms through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 7g protein, 22g carbs, 10g fat, 4g fiber.
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