SURIMI CRAB CAKES

Surimi Crab Cakes image

OK ... before you slay me for using "imo" crab, I'll tell you these were very, very good. Developed them out of desperation for something to make for dinner out of a pkg. of the surimi lump crab. I LOVE crab cakes, and was not altogether sure how 'imo' crab would hold up in these cakes ... these held together nicely ... and...

Provided by Terrie Hoelscher

Categories Seafood

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1/4 c egg substitute
1/2 c light mayonnaise
1/2 tsp minced, fresh garlic
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes [or more, to suit your taste]
2-3 tsp worcestershire sauce
salt & pepper, to taste
1/4 c finely diced red or yellow or green bell pepper
1 stick celery, finely diced
2 Tbsp minced onion or shallot
1 pinch ea: dry basil; dry thyme; dry oregano
2 tsp dijon mustard (or more, to suit your taste)
2 pieces cooked turkey bacon, finely diced or crumbled
3/4 c plain bread crumbs
1 1/2 lb imitation crabmeat
splash of milk, if necessary, to thin

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the egg substitute, mayo, garlic, pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, s & p, bell pepper, celery, onion, seasonings, Dijon mustard, and bacon.
2. While this mixture is still fluid and easily stir-able, add the bread crumbs. Cut the crab into large chunks. Using your hands, gently fold in the lump surimi crab, taking care not to break up the large lumps of crab.
3. If the bread crumbs absorb the liquid too quickly and it becomes too difficult to work in the crab, you can add a splash of milk, if necessary, up to about 3 T.
4. Spray a baking pan with PAM; set aside.
5. Spray your hands with PAM, and dip fingertips into a water bowl, to make forming of the crab cakes easier, with out sticking to your hands. Form the crab cake mixture into 8 evenly-sized crab cakes, making sure to compact the mixture together well, for frying.
6. At this point, you can cover with waxed paper on a baking sheet and refrigerate, until you are ready to fry the crab cakes. I kept mine in the fridge for almost an hour, and they set up very nicely!
7. Heat a large skillet over Med. heat, and add 2 T. butter and 2 T. oil to hot skillet and let them melt together and coat the bottom of the pan. Gently set the crab cakes into the hot oil, and allow them to brown gently only on one side, approximately 4 - 5 mins. Don't over brown them! Don't flip them in the pan. When they are golden brown on one side, transfer them gently to the lightly greased cookie sheet, flipping them so the golden brown side is facing UP.
8. Bake at 450° for approximately 5 - 7 minutes. They will be bubbly and sizzling. Don't over cook or dry them out!