Eggless Crab Cakes

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There is nothing better than these crispy, flavorful eggless crab cakes. They’re completely egg-free yet hold together beautifully and taste absolutely delicious. They are so easy to make and a crowd favorite!

Eggless Crab Cakes laid out on a cutting board with a bowl of tartar sauce

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With egg allergies in my household, I am always on the search for allergen friendly alternatives to our favorite foods. Growing up in Florida, my love for seafood runs deep. I now live smack dab in the middle of the USA, but that won’t stop me from enjoying seafood dishes.

Crab cakes usually contain eggs and mayonnaise. This dish is made egg free by using an eggless mayonnaise and omitting eggs all together. The eggless mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, and chill time bind the crab cakes together.

These crab cakes without eggs have such a fresh flavor with the combination of old bay seasoning, lemon juice, and other spices. The lump crab meat is the main attraction here. If you are going to eat a crab cake, you really want the focus to be on the CRAB! Not breadcrumbs or other fillers and this recipe provides just that.

Ingredients and substitutions

Ingredients for crab cakes in individual bowls with labels on them
  • Jumbo lump crabmeat: Not imitation crab or white crab meat.
  • Eggless mayonnaise: Or you can purchase a store-bought vegan mayonnaise.
  • Dijon mustard: NOT regular yellow mustard.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Trust me, it adds so much delicious flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Lemon juice
  • Panko breadcrumbs: This helps bind the crab cakes.
  • Fresh parsley: You can also use dried if you have that instead.
  • Melted butter 
  • Salt and pepper

How to make eggless crab cakes

Bowl of the wet ingredients mixed together

In a large bowl combine vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and parley. Whisk together.

All ingredients mixed together in a large bowl

Fold in lump crab meat and panko breadcrumbs. Gently fold them in to avoid breaking up all the lumps of crab meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

12 crab cakes before being cooked on a plate

Form into 12 equal size patties. You can use an ice cream scoop and then form into patties.

5 crab cakes in a frying pan being cooked

Cook them in small batches over oil. Use medium-low heat and cook about 2-3 minutes per side.

Why you will love this recipe

Eggless: Perfect for those with egg allergies or out of eggs!
Flavor: The crunchy outside and flavorful inside is beyond delicious.
Effortless: Mix, chill, and fry!

FAQ

What type of crab meat should I get?

Jumbo lump crab meat or just lump crab meat. Avoid white crab meat which is very thin and watery.

Do I need to chill the crab cakes?

Yes, crab cakes are notorious for falling apart when cooking. Giving them at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator will greatly help them stay together.

How thick should I make the eggless crab cake patties?

About 1/2 inch thick. I use an ice cream scoop to get equal sizes then form the patties with my hands.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! For best results I would prepare them ahead of time and fry them right before you plan to eat. Form them into patties ahead of time. Cover and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Substitutions

Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs or crushed saltines

Fresh parsley: sub out for 1 teaspoon dried parsley. You want to decrease the amount as the dried version has a stronger flavor.

Melted butter: Neutral tasting oil

Eggless crab cakes displayed on a cutting board

What to serve it with

Serve these eggless crab cakes with a side of lemon wedges or homemade tartar sauce without mayonnaise.

Equipment needed

Large and medium mixing bowl

 Large skillet

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the chill time: This helps the crab cakes bind together better.
Select the right type of crab meat: You are wanting jumbo lump crab or just lump crab meat.
Watch the heat while cooking: Cook over medium heat and decrease as needed if you see them start to become too darkened/crispy.

Eggless Crab Cakes laid out on a cutting board with a bowl of tartar sauce

Eggless Crab Cakes

There’s nothing better than these crunchy, flavorful eggless crab cakes. Just mix the ingredients, shape the patties, and cook them in a skillet. They’re completely egg-free, yet hold together beautifully and taste absolutely delicious.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 14 small crab cakes
Calories 122 kcal

Equipment

1 large and medium mixing bowl
1 Large skillet

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb. jumbo lump crabmeat pick through it to remove any shells
  • cup eggless mayonnaise or a storebought vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • avocado oil or butter for frying the crab cakes

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl combine eggless mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, melted butter, and parsley. Whisk together.
    ⅓ cup eggless mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • Fold in lump crab meat and panko breadcrumbs. Gently fold them in to avoid breaking up all the lumps of crab meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
    1 lb. jumbo lump crabmeat, ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • Scoop out using a 1/4 measuring cup. Gently form into patties with your hands. *See note below if they are having trouble adhering together.
  • Add 4 tablespoons of avocado oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-low. Add your crab cakes and cook 2-3 minutes per side. Decrease heat as needed if they begin to become too crispy on the outside.
  • Place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Video

Notes

Serve with lemon slices or homemade tartar sauce without mayonnaise.
Watch the crab cakes closely so they do not burn. Reduce heat as needed.
If your crab cakes are falling apart, troubleshoot with these tips:
  • Be sure you allowed chill time in the refrigerator.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of additional eggless mayo. 
  • You may need to make the patties smaller. I recommend 1/4 cup filling per crab cake.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 294mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 181IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Crab Cakes No Eggs, Egg Free Crab Cakes, Eggless Crab Cakes
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made these with canned tuna instead of crab and they were delicious! My husband said they were “a billion times better” than other eggless fish cakes I’ve made in the past. This recipe is definitely a new family favorite!

5 from 2 votes

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