Vegan Crabcakes

These gluten free Vegan Crabcakes will blow your mind! They taste like real crab cakes but better since they are vegan. . The texture is so spot on that you will be doubting whether there is real crab in them. The combo of flaky smashed chickpeas and hearts of palm mixed with the usual suspects produces a crispy on the outside and flaky and soft on the inside fritter. Serve with the basic slaw and special sauce for an amazing flavor combo.

What is a crab cake?

Crab cakes are fritters made with crab mixed with breadcrumbs and spices. They are mostly associated with the area surrounding Maryland and Virginia. Most crab cakes use lump crab. They are made by combining crab meat with bread crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard (typically prepared mustard, but sometimes mustard powder), eggs, and seasonings. It is then sautéed, baked, grilled, deep fried, or broiled. Crab cakes are a staple food for fancy brunches and dinners. They are especially popular at a New Year's Day brunch.

What do you use in place of crab for Vegan Crabcakes?

My vegan crab cakes are made with hearts of palm and chickpeas in place of the crab for texture and meatiness. Hearts of palm are flaky and have a neutral flavor. Chickpeas add more protein and texture. Then I added seaweed flakes to give them the flavor of the ocean. I daresay that these vegan crab cakes are better than the real thing. Any fancy brunch would be a success with these totally plant-based treats.

Ingredients for Vegan Crabcakes

The ingredients for these vegan crab cakes are simple and mostly easy to find. If rice crackers are hard to find, substitute any cracker you like.

Let's break down each ingredient required to make these dairy-free au gratin potatoes:

Vegan Crabcake Ingredients

• Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a type of legume that is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. They are also relatively low in calories and fat.
• Hearts of palm: Hearts of palm are the edible inner core of certain palm trees. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are a good source of fiber and potassium. Use hearts of palm as a substitute for meat or seafood in salads and sandwiches.
• Rice crackers: Rice crackers are gluten-free crackers made from rice flour. I use them as a substitute for bread or crackers in recipes.
• Seaweed flakes: Seaweed flakes are dried seaweed that is often used as a seasoning or garnish. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, iron, and calcium..
• Salt: Salt is used to enhances the flavor. However, it is important to use salt in moderation.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the salad and helps to balance out the richness of the chickpeas and mayo. It is also a good source of vitamin C.
• Celery: Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Celery adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
• Green onions: Green onions have a milder flavor than traditional onions.
• Red bell pepper: Red bell peppers add a sweet and slightly crunchy texture to the salad.
• Cilantro: Cilantro is a fresh herb with a bright, citrusy flavor. I
• Hot smoked paprika: Hot smoked paprika has a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. It adds a depth of flavor to the crabcakes.
• Old Bay seasoning: Old Bay seasoning contains celery salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, and bay leaves. This really gives these vegan crabcakes a traditional flavor
• Vegan mayo: Vegan mayo is mayonnaise that is egg and dairy-free.

BASIC SLAW INGREDIENTS

• Green Cabbage: Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. It has a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
• Red cabbage: Red cabbage is a type of cabbage that has a deep purple color. It is similar in nutritional value to green cabbage, and also contains antioxidants that may have health benefits.
• Red bell pepper : Red peppers are a type of bell pepper that has a sweet flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. Eat red peppers raw or cooked. I use them in salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries.
• Lemon: Lemon juice is a bright and tangy. It has vitamin C and antioxidants. I use lemon juice as a seasoning in salads, dressings, and marinades.
• Cilantro: Cilantro is an herb with a bright, citrusy flavor.

SPECIAL SAUCE INGREDIENTS

• Vegan mayo: This plant-based condiment adds a creamy texture and richness to the sauce.
• Lemon: The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon juice helps to balance out the richness of the mayo and adds a fresh kick to the sauce.
• Old Bay seasoning: See above description.
• Hot smoked paprika: Read above description.
• Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is a chili pepper best known for its extreme heat. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a fiery kick to the sauce, but be careful not to add too much, or it will be overpowering.
• Sweet relish: Sweet relish is a condiment. It's made with chopped pickles, onions, and spices. It adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Ketchup: Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the sauce and gives it a rich, red color.

How to make vegan crabcakes

This recipe is very easy to make. It involves some mashing, some chopping, a little mixing and air frying. Minimal effort for maximum return.

Make the Crabcakes

• Into a large bowl add mashed chickpeas, mashed hearts of palm, blitzed rice cracker crumbs, seaweed flakes, salt, lemon, celery, green onion, bell pepper, cilantro, smoked paprika, old bay and vegan mayo. Knead and mix with hands until thoroughly combined and you can form patties that will stick together.
• Make 9 crabcake patties.
• Spray your air fryer grate with olive or avocado oil then place the crabcakes gently in the basket so that they are not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do two batches.
• Air Fry for 8 minutes at 400 degrees. Flip carefully then airfry for 8 more minutes. Continue in batches until all of your crabcakes are crispy, golden and delicious.
• Serve with basic slaw and special sauce.

How to make the basic Cole slaw

• To a large bowl add cabbage, pepper, lemon, cilantro and salt. Mix until combined.

Make the special dipping sauce

• In a small mixing bowl add vegan mayo, lemon, old bay, hot smoked paprika, cayenne, sweet relish and ketchup.
• Whisk until combined.
• Taste for your preference and adjust spice level by adding more cayenne if desired.

Other delicious air-fried recipes

• Air-fried chickpea pakora fritters
• Easy Air-fried Patatas Bravas
• Airfried Vegan Eggrolls
• Air Fried Broccoli & Cheese Balls