Adding mayo to crab cakes makes them taste better and stay moist. Crab cakes are a popular dish that show off the delicate flavor of crab. Mayonnaise is an important part of crab cakes because it not only makes them rich and creamy, but it also holds everything together.
The purpose of this article is to talk about how important mayo is in crab cakes and how it improves their taste, texture, and moistness. We will also talk about some mayo alternatives for people who want to eat healthier or follow a certain diet.
Crab cakes are a classic appetizer found on seafood restaurant menus everywhere These tasty cakes are typically held together by mayonnaise, which adds moisture and richness But what if you want to make crab cakes at home and discover you’re out of mayonnaise? Don’t worry, there are plenty of great substitutes for mayo in crab cakes that will yield delicious results.
Why Use a Mayonnaise Substitute?
Here are some common reasons for needing a mayo substitute:
- You’re unexpectedly out of mayonnaise when a crab cake craving strikes
- You want to reduce calories, fat, or sodium content
- You follow a vegan or dairy-free diet
- You or your guests have an egg allergy
- You simply want to experiment with different flavors
Luckily with a little creativity you can make flavorful crab cakes using a variety of mayo replacements.
9 Best Mayo Substitutes for Crab Cakes
If you don’t have mayonnaise on hand, try one of these excellent alternatives:
1. Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt makes an ideal substitute with its thick, creamy texture. Replace 1/2 to 2/3 of the mayo with yogurt.
2. Sour Cream
Sour cream provides tangy flavor and richness. Use an equal amount as the mayo called for.
3. Hummus
For a vegan take, hummus adds creaminess and pairs nicely with the seafood.
4. Mashed Avocado
Mashed avocado gives great creaminess and flavor. Add a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
5. Aioli
Aioli has a similar flavor to mayo with the addition of garlic. Use an equal amount.
6. Cashew Cream
For a dairy-free, plant-based option, blend cashews with water for a creamy paste.
7. Pureed Cottage Cheese
Puree low-fat cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth.
8. Silken Tofu
Blended silken tofu provides a vegan alternative with creamy texture.
9. Vegan Mayo
Use store-bought vegan mayo for an egg-free, cruelty-free option.
Tips for Using Mayo Substitutes
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For yogurt, sour cream, or cashew cream, you may need to drain off some excess liquid to prevent batter from getting too thin.
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Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice to taste when swapping in subs.
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Use hummus, tofu, and vegan mayo as is, no need to blend or strain.
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Letting filling chill for 30 mins helps firm it up before forming cakes.
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Add breadcrumbs or panko a little at a time to get the right consistency for forming cakes.
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Refrigerate formed cakes for 1 hour before cooking so they hold together better.
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May need a bit more binder than with mayo to help hold cakes together, so have extra on hand.
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Brush tops with oil or melted butter before broiling or pan frying to prevent drying out.
Recipe Ideas for Alternative Crab Cakes:
- Greek yogurt crab cakes with lemon pepper and Old Bay seasoning
- Vegan crab cakes made with mashed avocado, hummus, and sautéed mushrooms
- Spicy crab cakes with mashed avocado, sriracha, cilantro, and lime zest
- Mediterranean crab cakes with hummus, feta, roasted red peppers, and basil
- Dairy-free crab cakes with silken tofu, green onions, paprika, and cayenne
- Lightened up crab cakes with cottage cheese, whole wheat panko, dill, and parsley
Don’t let a lack of mayonnaise stop you from enjoying delicious crab cakes! With a little creativity, you can find or make a substitute that allows you to stick to your diet, avoid allergens, or simply try new flavors.
Avocado as a Substitute
For crab cake lovers who want their food to be creamy, avocado can be used instead of mayo. Because avocado is creamy and high in healthy fats, it’s a great way to give your crab cakes a luxurious, velvety texture.
Along with making the dish taste richer, it also adds to its health benefits thanks to its high monounsaturated fat content. To use avocado as a mayo substitute, simply mash a ripe avocado until smooth and creamy.
The mashed avocado can be mixed with the rest of the ingredients in your crab cake recipe instead of mayo. This change not only makes your crab cakes creamier, but it also gives them more beneficial nutrients.
More Substitutes for Mayo in Crab Cakes
If you’re looking to add a Mediterranean twist to your crab cakes while avoiding mayo, consider using aioli. Aioli is a creamy sauce made from combining garlic, olive oil, and egg yolks.
It provides a rich and garlicky flavor that pairs beautifully with the delicate taste of crab. Its thick and silky texture makes it an ideal substitute for mayo.
To make aioli, start by mincing a few cloves of garlic. In a bowl, whisk together two egg yolks with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Slowly drizzle in about cup of extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly. This gradual incorporation of oil ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
Once the aioli has reached the desired thickness, stir in the minced garlic. The resulting aioli can be used in place of mayo in your crab cake recipe.
It adds a delightful garlic kick that takes your crab cakes to a whole new level.
Easy Crab Cakes Recipe
FAQ
What keeps crab cakes from falling apart?
What is crab cake sauce made of?
What is crab cake filler made of?
What is a substitute for sour cream in crab cakes?
Can you use olive oil instead of mayonnaise in crab cakes?
Since olive oil is an important part of mayonnaise, it can work as a fine substitute for the latter in crab cakes. It has a higher fatty acid content (healthy fats). Olive oil can replace mayonnaise in crab cakes but use lesser content to make sure the texture isn’t affected.
Can mayonnaise be used instead of eggs?
Yes, you can replace eggs with mayonnaise in recipes. You can use 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise for each egg. Mayonnaise is a good substitute for adding moisture to your brownies or other baked goods, as it is made of eggs and oil, which make them soft and moist.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in crab cakes?
The first substitute for mayonnaise in crab cakes has to be cashew cream. This is actually a great substitute for people who want plant-based substitutes. Cashew cream can be bought from the grocery market, but you can also make it by mixing cashews and water. Cashew cream tends to have a creamy and rich flavor.
Can you substitute cashew cream for mayonnaise in crab cakes?
If you don’t think cashew cream can make a good substitute for mayonnaise in crab cakes, you can always use Greek yogurt. For substitution, you have to replace ½ to 2/3 parts of mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. The best part of Greek yogurt is that it can cut down on calories without taking away the creaminess.