Carnivore Crab Cakes with Butter Mayo
These carnivore crab cakes are a delicious, protein-packed dish that stays true to the principles of the carnivore diet, using only animal-based ingredients. The crab cakes are rich in flavor with a crispy exterior and tender interior, made from crab meat, butter, and a few select carnivore-friendly seasonings. Paired with a creamy butter mayo dipping sauce, these crab cakes are a perfect treat for anyone on a carnivore or keto diet. Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow recipe to make these delectable crab cakes at home.
Ingredients:
For the Crab Cakes:
- 1 lb crab meat (preferably fresh or lump crab meat)
- 2 tbsp melted butter or ghee (for binding and flavor)
- 1 large egg (to help bind the mixture)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory touch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp tallow or butter (for frying)
For the Butter Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade or a high-quality, no-carb mayo)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat with the melted butter, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much; you want the chunks to remain intact for a nice texture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. The egg will help bind the ingredients, and the melted butter will keep the cakes moist and flavorful.
2. Shape the Crab Cakes:
- With your hands, take portions of the crab mixture and form small patties (about 4-6 crab cakes, depending on the size you prefer). Press them lightly to compact the mixture and ensure they hold their shape while cooking.
3. Fry the Crab Cakes:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of tallow or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the fat is hot, carefully place the crab cakes in the skillet.
- Cook the crab cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the cakes to prevent them from falling apart.
4. Prepare the Butter Mayo:
- While the crab cakes are cooking, combine the mayonnaise, melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the crab cakes are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the crab cakes with the creamy butter mayo dipping sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts:
These carnivore crab cakes with butter mayo are the perfect way to enjoy a satisfying, high-protein meal while sticking to a carnivore diet. The crab meat provides a rich, tender base, while the butter and egg bind everything together for a delicious texture. The butter mayo adds a creamy, indulgent dip that complements the crab cakes perfectly.
This recipe is versatile and can be modified by adjusting the seasonings or using different types of animal fats. Whether you enjoy them as a main dish or as an appetizer, these crab cakes are sure to be a hit!