MINI CRAB CAKES AND CAJUN TARTAR

Mini Crab Cakes and Cajun Tartar image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 22

3/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus wedges for serving
3 to 4 dashes hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
1 pound lump crab meat
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (see Cook's Note)
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Steps:

For the tartar sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, relish, hot sauce, salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until ready to serve.
For the crab cakes: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, sour cream, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, capers, celery and salt. Gently fold in the crab and breadcrumbs. Form crab cakes by turning out 1/3 cup of the crab mixture for each cake onto a plate. Using the palm of your hand, lightly flatten the top to make patties.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Cook the crab cakes in batches until brown and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and sprinkle with salt. Serve with lemon wedges and a dollop of tartar sauce.
Cook's Note: Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese breadcrumbs made with crustless bread--a lighter version of traditional crumbs, which are made using the crusts.