Crab Cake Bites with Lemon-Dill Dipping Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for an appetizer that combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures, look no further than these delicious crab cake bites! Paired with a zesty lemon-dill dipping sauce, they’re sure to impress at your next gathering. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a formal celebration, these little bites of heaven will be a hit among seafood lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

For the Crab Cake Bites:

• 1 pound crab meat (fresh or pasteurized)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely diced (red or yellow for color)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Lemon-Dill Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Crab Cake Bites

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the lumps of crab meat intact.

2. Form Bites: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties or bites, about 1-2 inches in diameter. The mixture should yield around 20-24 bites. After shaping, roll each patty in additional breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

3. Chill: Place the crab cake bites on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps the cakes to hold together while frying.

Prepare the Lemon-Dill Dipping Sauce

4. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator while you fry the crab cakes.

Cook the Crab Cake Bites

5. Heat Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.

6. Fry the Bites: Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few crab cake bites in the pan, being sure not to overcrowd it. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to keep the oil from burning.

7. Drain: Once cooked, transfer the crab cake bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve

8. Plate and Enjoy: Serve the warm crab cake bites on a platter with a side of lemon-dill dipping sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh dill, if desired.

Tips

• Crab Meat: Opt for fresh lump crab meat if available for the best flavor. Canned crab meat can be used as a more convenient alternative, but be sure to drain it well.
• Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the crab cakes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush them lightly with oil before baking to help with browning.
• Dipping Sauce Variations: Feel free to customize the dipping sauce by adding hot sauce for a kick or substituting Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Enjoy these delectable crab cake bites at your next event! They’re easy to prepare, and with their combination of savory crab and zesty dipping sauce, they will be the perfect crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!