These crab cakes use cauliflower instead of crab meat. Even though they don’t contain any crab, they taste and feel like real crab cakes. This is my new favorite way to eat cauliflower!
I haven’t been this excited to share a cauliflower recipe in a while. But I really really love how these came out. 
I was recently introduced to zucchini “crab” cakes, sometimes known as poorman’s crab cakes. And it got me thinking, why not use cauliflower instead of zucchini? Not only is cauliflower closer in color and appearance to crab meat, but it also doesn’t contain as much water as zucchini, so you don’t need to wring the cauliflower dry. I also think the flavor of cauliflower is easier to mask compared to zucchini.
One of the things that gives crab cakes their distinct flavor profile is the seasoning. These mock crab cakes use all the same seasoning, which is why they taste remarkably similar to crab cakes. And I even shredded the cauliflower, so the appearance and texture is very similar to crab meat as well.
This recipe is definitely one I plan on making again and again. They are great for a dinner party, potluck, and more.
Recipe now updated with video! You can find all my recipe videos on my youtube channel as well.
Cauliflower "Crab" Cakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed shredded cauliflower (see note)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning this is key to the crab cake-like flavor, so don't leave this out!
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for pan frying
- tartar sauce optional, to eat with the crab cakes
- lemon wedges optional, to eat with the crab cakes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, eggs, breadcrumbs, Old Bay, black pepper, mayonnaise and parsley. Mix until everything is combined and wet.
- Measure out 1/3 cup (packed) cauliflower mixture. You want to make sure you really compact the cauliflower mixture so that the cakes don't fall apart. Flip the measuring cup upside down to release the cauliflower cake onto a sheet of parchment paper. Gently press down on the mixture to form a thick round disc. Repeat with remaining cauliflower mixture. You should have enough to make 6 cakes.
- In a large skillet, add oil and bring to medium high heat. Depending on the size of your pan you will need between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of oil. You will need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan in order to pan fry the cakes. Add in crab cakes and cook a few minutes on both sides until they are golden and crispy and cauliflower is cooked. Place cooked crab cakes onto a paper towel to soak up some of the excess oil. Serve crab cakes with tartar sauce and fresh lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- To shred the cauliflower, use a cheese or vegetable grater with large grating holes. You can also use raw cauliflower rice but the texture of the crab cakes won't be the quite the same.
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Hi, your recipe for cauliflower crab cakes sounds good, and I would like to try and make some.
However, would you tell me please what is Bay seasoning?..I am in UK, is there something similar I could use?
Also I don’t like mayo, would yogurt work instead?…if so, what type of yogurt please.
Thank you Kirby. Happy cooking!
Sincerely Jeannie.
Old Bay Seasoning is a spice mix – if you google “where to buy Old Bay Seasoning in the UK”, there are several options, including Amazon. We’ve only made this recipe with mayo, but you could try plain Greek yogurt.
What is the sodium count
Sorry, but we don’t have the nutrition info on this recipe – there are free online nutrition calculators you can use to get the info you need.
Delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed!
Can I use frozen cauliflower that needs to be steamed first?
We haven’t tried frozen cauliflower for this recipe and can’t say how it would turn out.
Any tips for trying these in an Airfryer. I’m gonna put parchment down and then flip them after like 5-7 minutes. Might also add a dash of fish sauce. We’ll see how it goes.
they should work in the air fryer but I haven’t done it yet. I hope it works out for you!
Just made these, taste great. And so healthy as well. Thank you so much
I’m so glad you liked them!
Follow the recipe and it turned out fabulous I love it and will certainly do it again
I’m so happy they turned out well!
Easy to make but how many carbs does it have. I didn’t see the nutritional value. I also substituted the paleo crumbs with pork rind crumbs less carbs came out great…
No nutritional value is provided because the recipe is pan-fried and it is very difficult to determine the amount of oil absorbed by each crab cake. If you are only looking for carb count, you can always use an online nutritional calculator and input the ingredients. Because the original recipe uses panko, it’s not a low carb recipe. Using pork rinds should keep it low carb
This was delicious! I made these a few weeks ago (along with your cheesy cauliflower muffins — it worked out perfectly, actually, as one whole cauliflower was the right amount for the two recipes!). Had to sub Old Bay seasoning though for All-purpose seasoning as the former is not really available where I am. I also added 1/4 tsp each of garlic and onion powder for good measure. And I used Kewpie mayo, which is quite different to regular mayo. Probably didn’t taste exactly how they were meant to be — still, this one is definitely a keeper. Even my partner enjoyed them and he’s usually very fussy!
I’m so glad these worked out for you!
Do you have any suggestions as to how I could make this into a vegan version? Looks hella delicious.
sorry I’m not sure
Hi,
I also made these vegan. Just sub vegan mayo. And make flax eggs. It works really well!
Can’t wait to try this – they look delish!
I hope you like them as much as I do!
I would never have thought you could make crab cakes that literally have no crab in them! I’m so intrigued! They look beautiful!
haha, it’s not quite the same but it’s very similar!