Fake Crab Cakes
This recipe offers a vegetarian alternative to crab cakes using grated zucchini as the main ingredient. Simple to prepare, it combines zucchini with egg, bread crumbs, and seafood seasoning, then pan-fries the mixture into patties for a quick and flavorful dish.
Equipment
- 1 Box Grater Or food processor with grating attachment.
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Measuring Spoons
- 1 skillet
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
Main
- 1 zucchini grated
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning such as Old Bay®
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- If desired, salt the grated zucchini and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture, then squeeze out excess water thoroughly using a towel or paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained grated zucchini, egg, dry bread crumbs, and seafood seasoning.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined and the mixture holds together.
- Form the mixture into two equally sized patties.
- Lightly coat a skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- Carefully place the zucchini patties into the hot skillet.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once.
- Remove patties from skillet.
- Serve hot.
Notes
1. Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini after salting (optional but recommended) or just grating. Excess water will make the cakes soggy and difficult to bind. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
2. The amount of bread crumbs needed may vary slightly depending on the moisture content of the zucchini and the size of the egg. Add just enough to create a mixture that holds its shape when formed into a patty.
3. Seafood seasoning like Old Bay is key to mimicking the "crab" flavor. Don't be shy with it! Consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a little heat.
4. Cook over medium heat to allow the interior to heat through and set while achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning.
2. The amount of bread crumbs needed may vary slightly depending on the moisture content of the zucchini and the size of the egg. Add just enough to create a mixture that holds its shape when formed into a patty.
3. Seafood seasoning like Old Bay is key to mimicking the "crab" flavor. Don't be shy with it! Consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a little heat.
4. Cook over medium heat to allow the interior to heat through and set while achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning.