Gluten-Free Pan-Seared Crab Cakes

Total: 35 min2 servingsmediumMediterranean
Pan-Seared Crab Cakes with Lemon-Dressed Arugula Salad

Golden-brown crab cakes served under a bright, peppery arugula salad dressed with fresh lemon and tomatoes, accompanied by crispy roasted fingerling potatoes and creamy lemon aioli. This restaurant-style dish combines the sweetness of crab with fresh, vibrant flavors and makes an elegant dinner or special occasion meal. The contrast of warm crab cakes and cool salad creates a delightful temperature play.

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 4 ounce grape tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 2 unit scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 12 ounce fingerling potatoes, cut in half lengthwise
    baby potatoes1:1neutral

    similar cooking time

  • 1 unit lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 ounce mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    whole grain mustard1:1neutral

    different texture

    Full guide →
  • 10 ounce crab cakes
    salmon cakes1:1pescatarianshellfish-freeadds fish

    similar texture

  • 1 ounce arugula
    baby spinach1:1milder

    less peppery flavor

    Full guide →
  • 4 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash and dry all produce, adjust oven rack to middle position, and preheat oven to 425 degrees

  2. 2

    Finely chop tomatoes, trim and thinly slice scallions, mince garlic, cut potatoes in half lengthwise

  3. 3

    Zest lemon until you have 1 teaspoon zest, then halve and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice into a small bowl

  4. 4

    Toss potatoes on a baking sheet with olive oil and smoked paprika, season with salt and pepper

  5. 5

    Roast potatoes in oven until tender and lightly crisped

  6. 6

    Stir together mayonnaise, mustard, half the lemon zest, half the lemon juice, and garlic in a small bowl, season with salt

  7. 7

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat, add crab cakes and cook until golden brown on bottom

  8. 8

    Add butter to pan, flip crab cakes, and cook until golden brown on other side

  9. 9

    Toss together tomatoes, half the scallions, remaining lemon juice and zest, a drizzle of olive oil, and half the arugula, season with salt and pepper

  10. 10

    Divide crab cakes between plates, arrange salad on top, add potatoes to the side and dollop with aioli, garnish with remaining scallions and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Use a nonstick pan for the crab cakes to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Tip 2

Don't flip the crab cakes too early - let them develop a golden crust before turning.

Tip 3

Reserve some arugula for garnish or extra servings as desired.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. Store components separately for best quality.

Make Ahead

Roast potatoes and make aioli up to 1 day ahead. Reheat potatoes before serving.

Serve With

Serve immediately while crab cakes are warm and salad is fresh and cool.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcook crab cakes to avoid a dry texture.

Watch

Don't overdress the salad to prevent wilting the arugula.

Substitutions

crab cakes
salmon cakes1:1pescatarianshellfish-freeadds fish

similar texture

fingerling potatoes
baby potatoes1:1neutral

similar cooking time

arugula
baby spinach1:1milder

less peppery flavor

Full guide →
Dijon mustard
whole grain mustard1:1neutral

different texture

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use fresh crab instead of pre-made crab cakes?

Yes, form 10 ounces of fresh crab meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings into patties before cooking.

What if I don't have fingerling potatoes?

Use baby potatoes or cut regular potatoes into similar-sized pieces, adjusting cooking time as needed.

How long will the aioli keep?

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving if separated.