Farmwife’s “Crab” Cakes (aka Poor Man’s Crab Cakes)

So, I found myself cooking for a pescatarian today. Most of our easy lunch options include meat-based protein, which meant I needed to put forth a bit more effort than usual. And yet, lunch was ready in less than 30 minutes, felt gourmet, and was made entirely from ingredients I already had in my pantry!

My ingredients list is long; that tends to be how I cook. I encourage you to season as feels right to you; if there is a spice or ingredient you don’t have, skip it or substitute with a flavor that seems complimentary to those in the dish! I served these on a bed of mixed greens and topped with my Spicy Tartar Sauce!

Serves: 8 decent-sized crab cakes (4 servings)

Time: 10 minutes prep + 10 minutes cook = 20 minutes total!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz can water packed Albacore tuna
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs + more for coating
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup minced seasoning mix (a blend of onions, green bell peppers, celery, and parsley, or whatever you have of those things; green onions and white onions work equally well)
• 2 tbsp. stone ground mustard (or Dijon)
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 5 dashes hot sauce (I used Crystal)
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. thyme
• 4 tbsp. oil

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl add all ingredients (I beat my egg in the same bowl, because I don’t want to clean another dish) and mix with a fork. If you have a cat, let them lick the tuna can clean and they’ll love you mercilessly for the rest of the day.
3. Form into patties and coat lightly with more seasoned breadcrumbs (I just sprinkled a bit onto a plate to do this).
4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and then flip and repeat on the other side!
5. Allow excess oil to drain on paper towels.
6. Serve and enjoy!

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