Keto crab cakes with quick tartar sauce are golden, crisp-edged little cakes of sweet lump crab. Whipped egg white binds them instead of breadcrumbs, and they sear to a crunch in minutes. The two-ingredient tartar sauce and fresh celery alongside make it a complete 2.2 g carb plate.
Who says you can’t enjoy rich, decadent crab cakes on a keto diet? So many recipes are loaded with breadcrumb fillers, but not this one! We’re using whipped egg whites as a brilliant, airy binder that lets the sweet, delicate flavor of the lump crab meat shine through. This recipe is incredibly simple, comes together in minutes, and delivers a surprisingly generous portion. Get ready to indulge in a restaurant-quality, low-carb meal right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
• For the Crab Cakes
• 31 g / 1.1 oz white lump crab meat, canned and drained
• 26 g (0.92 oz) / 1 large egg white
• 15 g (0.53 oz) / 1 tbsp canola oil
• 10 g (0.35 oz) / 2 tsp European-style butter
• 1 pinch seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay (optional)
• For the Tartar Sauce & Garnish
• 20 g (0.71 oz) / 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise
• 10 g (0.35 oz) / 2 tsp sugar-free relish
• 32 g (1.13 oz) / 1 small stalk celery, for serving
Instructions
1. In a clean bowl, whip the egg white until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold in the drained crab meat, canola oil, and seafood seasoning, if using. Be careful not to overmix to keep the lumps of crab intact.
2. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Carefully spoon the mixture into the hot pan to form 3-4 small patties. Pan-sear for 2-3 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
4. Flip the crab cakes carefully and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and golden.
5. While the crab cakes cook, mix the mayonnaise and relish in a small bowl to create a quick tartar sauce.
6. Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining flavorful butter from the pan over the top.
7. Serve immediately with the tartar sauce for dipping and fresh celery on the side.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional HighlightsThis recipe is designed to be keto-friendly, with a focus on high-quality fats and protein while keeping carbohydrates to a minimum. By using egg whites as a binder instead of traditional breadcrumbs, you get a delicious meal that fits perfectly within a low-carb lifestyle. The portion size is satisfying and packed with flavor, making it an ideal lunch or light dinner.
Pro Tips
• For an all-in-one crab cake, finely chop the celery and fold it directly into the crab mixture before cooking.
• Be gentle when folding the crab meat into the whipped egg whites to maintain the delicate, lumpy texture.
• Swap the tartar sauce for a zesty cocktail sauce by mixing a small amount of low-sugar ketchup with prepared horseradish.
• For the best flavor and texture, ensure your canned crab meat is drained very well to avoid a watery mixture.
FAQ
Q: What makes these crab cakes keto-friendly
A: These crab cakes are keto-friendly because they use whipped egg whites as a binder instead of traditional high-carb breadcrumbs. This brilliant swap lets the crab flavor shine while keeping the meal low-carb.
Q: How do I keep my crab cakes from falling apart
A: The key is to whip the egg white to stiff peaks to create a stable binder. Also, be very gentle when folding in the crab meat to keep the lumps intact and avoid overmixing. When cooking, flip them carefully in the pan.
Q: Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned
A: While the recipe specifies canned crab meat, the most important tip for any type of crab meat is to ensure it is drained very well. This prevents the mixture from becoming watery and helps the patties hold their shape.
Q: What can I serve with these keto crab cakes
A: This recipe includes a quick, sugar-free tartar sauce for dipping and fresh celery on the side. For a different flavor, you can also mix low-sugar ketchup with prepared horseradish for a zesty cocktail sauce.
Pro Tips
- Drain the canned crab meat very well — a watery mixture is the number-one reason crab cakes fall apart in the pan.
- Fold the crab into the whipped egg white gently and stop early; keeping the lumps intact is what gives the cakes their delicate texture.
- Sear 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat until the edges are golden and crisp, flipping carefully just once.
- For an all-in-one cake, finely chop the celery and fold it directly into the crab mixture before cooking.
- Swap the tartar sauce for a zesty cocktail-style dip: a little low-sugar ketchup mixed with prepared horseradish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these crab cakes ahead of time?
Shape the cakes and refrigerate them for up to a day before searing — cold cakes hold together better in the pan. The tartar sauce keeps for several days.
Are crab cakes keto-friendly?
These are — one serving has 2.2 g of carbs and 38.6 g of fat, with egg white as the binder instead of breadcrumbs.
Can I use fresh crab instead of canned?
Yes — fresh lump crab works beautifully. Whatever you use, pick it over for shell fragments and drain it thoroughly before folding.
Can I bake the crab cakes instead of pan-searing?
You can, but the recipe is built for the buttery pan-sear — that's where the crisp edges come from. If baking, brush with butter and watch them closely.
Recipe card below.
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Keto Crab Cakes with Quick Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a clean bowl, whip the egg white until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold in the drained crab meat, canola oil, and seafood seasoning, if using. Be careful not to overmix to keep the lumps of crab intact.
- Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully spoon the mixture into the hot pan to form 3-4 small patties. Pan-sear for 2-3 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
- Flip the crab cakes carefully and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- While the crab cakes cook, mix the mayonnaise and relish in a small bowl to create a quick tartar sauce.
- Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining flavorful butter from the pan over the top.
- Serve immediately with the tartar sauce for dipping and fresh celery on the side.
