Crab Cakes

As I mentioned the other day, we have a buffet of appetizers for dinner to celebrate New Year's Eve. Crab Cakes are always included as part of our New Year's Eve dinner, because they are a favorite of mine.

Now, of course, I make them throughout the year, but on New Year's I make them a little smaller, so they can quality as an appetizer.

I have always enjoyed crab cakes, but much like creme brulee, they always seemed like something that would be a challenge to make. It wasn't until I was on a cruise and they had a cooking demonstration that I realized how easy crab cakes could be to make.

It took me a few recipes to find one that was right for me. I prefer my crab cakes to be mostly crab and little filler. In the end, I took parts that I liked from a few recipes to get the one that worked for me. The sauce can be an important part of the dish, as well.

Crab Cakes

1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c mayonnaise
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp ground red pepper
2 c bread crumbs
16 oz fresh, cooked crab meat or canned crab meat, drained
6 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper
6 tbsp finely chopped green bell pepper

Saute celery and onion in olive oil until tender. Cool slightly. Combine egg, mayonnaise, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder and ground red pepper in a mixing bowl. Add celery mixture, 1 c bread crumbs, crab meat and the chopped red and green peppers. Mix well. Shape into cakes. Dip in bread crumbs.

Cook crab cakes in oil in a large skillet, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a pan and keep warm in the oven until all have been cooked.

Mustard Sauce

1 c mayonnaise
5 drops red pepper sauce
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
3 tbsp Dijon mustard

Mix together. Serve with crab cakes.

I like to make the mustard sauce ahead of time to let the flavors meld. I also, like to make a side of homemade cole slaw to serve with the crab cakes.

This post shared on the Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life As Mom.