Recipe: Poor Man’s Crab Cakes

aka: Tuna Cakes

Do-It-Yourself has never tasted so good as with these “substitute” crab cakes, or crabcakes. Budget a little tight this week, or local crabs not easily available, or (oh, no) someone doesn’t like blue crabs? These “alternative” poor-man delights are also known as “Tuna Cakes” can be a stand-alone favorite – served with crackers, on a roll or all alone. So, you want to fix up a few for dinner or lunch? Here’s what it takes…

Ingredients:

Maryland Crab Cake
Maryland Crab Cake
  • 2 cans tuna (White Albacore Tuna in Water is most popular for this recipe but you can use whatever kind of tuna you prefer)
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (use more if you prefer it to be a little drier)
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1-2 tbsps. Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 tsp. of oregano
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • dash of hot sauce (try Franks Red Hot Sauce)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:

  1. Heat 4 tbsp of oil in a frying pan set on medium heat.
  2. Place all of the ingredients together & mix well. You may find it easiest to forget the spoon or spatula and get into you cooking by using your hands to mix the ingredients well.
  3. Shape the tuna mixture into patties that fit nicely in the palm of your hand.
  4. Place the patties in the hot oil and fry them for approximately two minutes on one side then flip it and fry for two minutes on the other side. It is very important to make sure each side is crispy before flipping the patties or removing them from the oil to prevent them from falling apart.
  5. Remove the patties from the oil and lay them on paper towels to allow any excess oil to drain.
  6. This recipe makes six Poor Man’s Crab Cakes.

Variations:

  • Use Panko, Ritz Crackers, Club Crackers, or any kind of cracker you favor, instead of bread crumbs.
  • These are also great, and healthier, when they are broiled!

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