Brown Rice Crab Cakes are a wholesome twist on the classic seafood favorite. These cakes combine sweet crab meat with hearty brown rice, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon for a flavorful bite that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. Perfect for an appetizer, light lunch, or dinner, they offer all the richness of traditional crab cakes with an extra boost of whole-grain goodness.
Ingredients
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1 cup cooked brown rice (cooled)
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1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
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2 green onions, finely sliced
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½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
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Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
Serving
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Makes 8 crab cakes
Instructions
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Prepare the mixture:
In a large bowl, combine crab meat, brown rice, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently so the crab pieces stay chunky. -
Shape the cakes:
Form the mixture into 8 equal patties. If the mixture feels too soft, add a few more breadcrumbs to help it hold together. Chill the patties in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up. -
Cook the crab cakes:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crab cakes in batches and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. -
Serve:
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce or aioli.
Tips
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For a lighter version, bake the crab cakes at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Add a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a little heat.
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Serve over a bed of greens or with a corn salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 210
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Protein: 20g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 1g
Brown Rice Crab Cakes bring together the best of both worlds—crisp, savory crab flavor with the nutty texture of brown rice. Simple, satisfying, and just right for a fresh coastal-inspired meal at home.
