Poor Man's Crab Cake Recipe Zucchini: Budget-Friendly Seafood Flavor With Garden Freshness
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Poor Man's Crab Cake Recipe
If you're craving the flavor of crab cakes without the cost, these zucchini patties are the perfect solution. Fresh zucchini provides a tender texture, while Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, and herbs create the familiar savory flavor associated with classic seafood cakes.
They're crispy on the outside, tender inside, easy to prepare, and a fantastic way to use an abundance of summer zucchini while keeping dinner affordable.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining zucchini)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini and toss it with the salt. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel.
2. Mix the Ingredients
Combine the drained zucchini with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, green onions, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
3. Shape the Patties
Form the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties and place them on a plate.
4. Cook
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain
Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
6. Serve
Serve warm with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, remoulade, or garlic aioli.
Expert Tips
Removing as much liquid as possible from the zucchini is the key to crispy patties. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes if it feels too soft before shaping. Avoid flipping the cakes too early so they develop a firm golden crust.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer to restore crispness. Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tartar sauce, spicy aioli, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, mixed greens, cucumber salad, or inside toasted sandwich buns with lettuce and tomato.
Recipe Variations
Add canned salmon or tuna for additional seafood flavor, substitute crushed crackers for breadcrumbs, mix in shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, fresh dill, or Cajun seasoning for different flavor profiles. Bake or air fry the patties instead of pan-frying for a lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Might Also Like
Reviews & Questions (0)
No ratings yet. Be the first to leave a review!
Leave a Rating & Review
You must be logged in to post a review or comment.
Log In