Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (2024)

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Most seafood cakes contain wheat flour. But, this easy keto crab cakes recipe will delight your taste buds without the unnecessary gluten and carbs.With a touch of lemon and old bay seasoning, these moist seafood patties will be a hit at your next get-together!

Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (1)
Article Index
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • ️ Serving suggestions
  • FAQs
  • Related recipes
  • Recipe

Crab cakes make amazing lunch ideas or side dishes on seafood night. If you want the best authentic crab cakes, then you have to go to Maryland.

I live in Connecticut, which isn’t that far away, but even if you’re one state away from MD (like in Pennsylvania), finding a restaurant that serves the real-deal crab cake is difficult.

When I see Maryland crab cakes on a menu in Connecticut, I know that it’s not going to taste anything like those blue-collar shacks that serve it in the Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay region.

If you don’t live near the Chesapeake and love crab cakes, this easy keto crab cake recipe is second best. And, it’s certainly healthier than most restaurant versions as it contains no flour fillers.

Ingredients

To make low-carb crab cakes, you will use lots of the same ingredients that are in traditional crab cakes.

Crab Meat

If you have access to it, use fresh crab meat. If not, canned will work just as well.

Egg Yolks

You only need one yolk for this entire recipe. It binds all the ingredients together. If you leave it out, the crab cake will just fall apart.

Mayonnaise

Use your favorite type of mayo. I used avocado mayo since it has so many healthy fats (which are important on a keto diet).

You could also make your ownhomemade mayotoo.

Old Bay Seasoning

If you are trying to make Maryland-style crab cakes, then Old Bay Seasoning is required. It is a staple in seafood in this state!

Spices

In addition to salt and pepper, I used both lemon juice and myhomemade Worcestershire sauce.

Pork Rinds

I used pork rinds as a keto breadcrumbs substitute. This keeps the crab cakes gluten-free and keto-friendly. If you'd rather not use pork rinds, a mix of almond flour and coconut flour can be used instead.

Please note:Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.

Quick Tips:

  • I like to pre-crush the rinds and keep them in the freezer as it helps remove some of the pork flavor and odor. Then, I have them ready to use in recipes likenearly no-carb bread!
  • Alternatively, you can take whole pork rinds and place them in a ziplock baggie and roll over them with a rolling pin to crush them.
  • Remember to remove any pieces of crab shells if you used fresh crab. Even if you are careful, pieces of the shell end up in the meat.
Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (2)

Instructions

All of the step-by-step directions for the low carb crab cakes are written out in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. First, here are some additional tips.

Prepare The Crab Meat

To begin, if you have fresh crabs, steam them. (If you used canned crab meat, you can skip this step).

Boil water, vinegar, and seafood seasoning. Then, layer thecrabsin the steamer insert, generously sprinkling the salt and remaining seafood seasoning on each layer ofcrabs. Cover the pot andsteam for about 30 minutes.

When it is fully cooked, set it aside.

Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (3)

Combine Crab Mixture

Next, in a large bowl, combine the egg yolk, mayo, crab meat, pork rinds,and seasoning. Also, add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.

Be careful, however, not to over mix. I find that just a couple of minutes, max, does the trick.

Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (4)

Fry The Cakes

After a couple of minutes of mixing, you’ll want to create some patties out of the gluten-free keto crab cakes mixture. Then, take a skillet and, over low-medium heat, ever so delicately lay the cakes in the frying pan.

It only takes 3-4 minutes for each side to develop that golden griddle color.

But, don’t eat it right away – it’s way too hot at this point. To make it less oily, drain the cakes.

All that’s left is drizzling some lemon juice and the garnish.

️ Serving suggestions

These are delicious as a light lunch so just serve somecauliflower ricewith them.

If you would rather eat them as a seafood side dish, then serve them withketo-baked cod. It is both light and filling!

These crab cakes also work fantastically as a party appetizer. They taste fantastic withgluten-free coconut shrimptoo.

Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (5)

FAQs

Before we get to the recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about keto crab cakes.

Are these better than store-bought crab cakes?

Yes, it's always better to make your food at home whenever you can.

This easy keto crab cakes recipe has far less cholesterol than the non-keto, regular version. Furthermore, many businesses that ship crab cakes around the country add preservatives to the cakes, such as sodium benzoate.

Store-purchased crab cakes can also contain corn syrup. That's an obvious no-no if you're trying to cut down on your net carbs.

Why should I use pork rinds on crab cakes?

So why have pork rinds been making their way into Paleo-approved crab cake recipes?

The simple answer is that pork rinds make for an excellent high-carb breading surrogate. Sure, pork rinds don't sound healthy.

When you think of the term, you might think back to old-school vending machines that sold them in bags. Of course, those pork rinds were unhealthy.

If you can buy some organic pasture-raised pork rinds, you'll be sticking to a Paleo-approved ingredient.

So how do you get pork rinds looking like bread crumbs? In this recipe, I just add the pre-crushed rinds to the other ingredients and mix them in a bowl.

How many crab cakes is one serving?

The serving size for these low-carb crab cakes is about one 2-inch cake.

Do you need tartar sauce for crab cakes?

Some people think that you need crab cake sauce like tartar. But as I mention in the intro to this recipe, if you do them up the proper way, you certainly won’t need any tartar sauce.

Plus, if you become an expert at making this easy keto crab cakes recipe, you probably won't need any lemon juice to top it off either.

Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (6)

If you enjoyed these crispy crab cakes, then I have more low-carb seafood recipes you should try next. They are some of my go-to's!

  • Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are the perfect lunch - especially with this creamy Cajun sauce!
  • Keto Tuna Casserole is a creamy recipe, fortified with spinach, and makes enough for a filling dinner.
  • Low-Carb Clam Chowder is easy to make in an Instant Pot and is incredibly rich and creamy.
  • Shrimp Spaghetti Squash is covered in alfredo sauce - add some broccoli for a filling dinner.
  • Fish Tacos are a fun party food or a delicious lunch that wakes up your taste buds.

Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!

Recipe

Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (7)

Easy Keto Crab Cakes with Pork Rinds

4.63 from 16 votes

Most seafood cakes contain wheat flour. But this easy recipe will delight your taste buds without the unnecessary gluten and carbs.

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:8 minutes mins

Total Time:18 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Print Pin Review Recipe Save Recipe

Servings: 10 people

Calories: 79

Video

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups crab meat boiled fresh crabs or can
  • 1 large egg yolk see note
  • ½ cup crushed pork rinds
  • ¼ cup avocado mayonnaise
  • 1 to 1 ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice divided
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • olive oil or coconut oil for frying
  • fresh parsley & lemon slices for garnishing

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine cooked crab meat, egg yolk, pork rinds, mayonnaise, seasoning, worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and ground pepper. Do not over mix.

  • Form crab meat mixture into patties.

  • In a skillet or non-stick pan with low to medium heat, lay crab meat patties gently and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden in color.

  • Drain crab cakes, drizzle the remaining lemon juice, garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Make sure the crab meat do not have any shell left.

Others have had trouble getting the cakes to bind together. Using two whole eggs should help bind things together better.

You can pre-crush the rinds and keep them in the freezer for up to six months. Freezing also helps remove some of the pork flavor and odor.

Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or placed in the freezer for at least 3 months.

Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart

Nutrition

Serving: 1patty | Calories: 79 | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 394mg | Potassium: 90mg | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Additional Info

Net Carbs: 0g | % Carbs: 0% | % Protein: 47.1% | % Fat: 52.9% | SmartPoints: 2

Notes on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Copyright

© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.

First published August 30, 2018. Post updated on August 5, 2021, with clearer images and additional recipe information.

Easy Keto Crab Cakes Recipe (Paleo) (2024)

FAQs

What makes crab cakes stick together? ›

Egg – The egg will act as a binder for the cakes, so the patties don't break apart. Mayonnaise – Not only will this mayo add some tang to our cakes but it will also help bind them together. You can make your own mayo using my recipe or store bought mayo will be fine as well.

What is a good substitute for mayonnaise in crab cakes? ›

Greek yogurt is another replacement for mayonnaise. This change-up still gives you that delightful creaminess while also reducing the calorie count. So if you want to make your crab cakes a bit differently this time, go ahead and indulge yourself!

What is a substitute for sour cream in crab cakes? ›

Full-fat Greek yogurt will offer the closest approximation of sour cream's flavor and texture, and can be used as a one-to-one replacement for sour cream. If you'd like, you can stir some heavy cream into any percentage of Greek yogurt to give it a somewhat richer body and higher fat content.

Is crab OK for keto diet? ›

The healthiest and best seafood to consume while on the keto diet is high in protein and healthy fats while low in carbohydrates. Some of the best keto friendly seafood include salmon, mahi-mahi, mackerel, and crab.

Is it better to fry or bake crab cakes? ›

Are crab cakes better baked or fried? You can either bake or fry these crab cakes. My personal preference is to bake them because it's easier (no risk of them falling apart when you flip them) and they are less prone to drying out (it's easy to overcook the crab cakes when frying them in a pan).

How do I keep my crab cakes from falling apart? ›

Refrigerate Your Crab Cakes

There's actually a pretty easy fix for this common problem. Simply stick your crab cakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The time they spend there will allow the crab cakes to solidify their shape.

What are the two types of crab cakes? ›

Maryland Crab Cakes

Restaurant style cakes are more gourmet and are made with large chunks of crab meat so it the crab is the main focus. Boardwalk style cakes are filled with smaller chunks of crab, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasoning- Old Bay, of course.

Is deviled crab the same as crab cake? ›

Deviled crabs are somewhat similar to boardwalk-style Maryland crab cakes. Differences include the oblong shape, the seasonings used, and the preferred method of eating (by hand). Since deviled crabs were designed to be hand-held, they are packed together more densely than a crab cake so as to not come apart easily.

What can I add instead of mayo? ›

8 Delicious (and Healthier!) Mayo Substitutes
  • Reduced-Fat Greek Yogurt. Reduced-fat Greek yogurt has the thickness needed to hold your ingredients together, without the fat content of oil-based mayo. ...
  • Reduced-Fat Sour Cream. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Tofu-Based Mayo. ...
  • Oil and Vinegar. ...
  • Mustard. ...
  • Hummus. ...
  • Store-Bought Vegan Mayo.
Mar 14, 2023

Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of sour cream? ›

Therefore, to substitute 3/4 cup of sour cream, you would use 3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream. Keep in mind that sour cream has a thicker consistency than heavy whipping cream, so the texture and consistency of the final dish may be slightly different when using heavy whipping cream as a substitute.

What is a good non dairy substitute for sour cream? ›

Best non-dairy substitutes
  • Cashews. Soak a cup of raw cashews in a bowl of room temperature water for at least three hours. ...
  • Coconut Cream. Place a can of full-fat coconut cream in the refrigerator for at least six hours. ...
  • Full-Fat Coconut Milk. ...
  • White Beans. ...
  • Mayonnaise. ...
  • Vegan Sour Cream. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Buttermilk.
Apr 1, 2022

Is there a vegan substitute for sour cream? ›

Fortunately, you can easily make a soy-based version of sour cream at home. Simply blend silken tofu with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and salt. Commercial or homemade soy-based sour creams are suitable for people following a vegan diet and those with an allergy to milk.

What is forbidden in the keto diet? ›

Sugary Foods and Sweets

Sweet treats and sugary foods are a definite "no" when following a keto diet. Consuming candies, pastries, and sugary drinks leads to a quick rise in insulin levels. Elevated insulin levels hinder fat burning and encourage fat storage, making it hard to achieve and maintain ketosis.

How many carbs a day on keto? ›

The ketogenic diet typically reduces total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day—less than the amount found in a medium plain bagel—and can be as low as 20 grams a day. Generally, popular ketogenic resources suggest an average of 70-80% fat from total daily calories, 5-10% carbohydrate, and 10-20% protein.

How to get into ketosis in 24 hours? ›

It's possible to get into ketosis in 24 hours by taking strict actions such as fasting and high intensity exercising. It's important to take mineral supplements and drink tons of water in order to prevent negative side effects.

How do you keep crabcakes together? ›

Squeeze any excess liquid out of the patties. Gently roll all sides in panko and reform as needed if they are falling apart. Place on a large plate, saran wrap the top, and chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours (this will keep the crab cakes from falling apart when cooked).

How do you separate crab sticks easily? ›

Instead of chopping or slicing, you're going to use the knife as a press. Gently but firmly press down on the crab stick with the flat side of the blade. You'll find that this pressure evenly distributes along the crab stick, loosening the layers without tearing them apart.

What makes a crab stick? ›

What is crab stick? Imitation crab is made from surimi - fish meat that has been removed, washed to remove fat and unwanted meat, and then minced into a paste. This paste is mixed with other ingredients before being heated and pressed into a shape that mimics crab meat.

What makes a cake hold together? ›

Flour takes the role of structure-builder within the cake. The starch in the flour is a reinforcing agent that stiffens and helps strengthen the egg foam. Some of the proteins in the flour join together to create an extensive network of coiled proteins, known as gluten. It is this gluten that holds the cake together.

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