Vietnamese Crab Cakes: A Spicy Far East Fusion Recipe

Craving a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and transports you to the vibrant streets of Vietnam? Look no further than these exquisite Vietnamese crab cakes! A delightful fusion of fresh crab meat, fragrant herbs, and a subtle kick of chili, these delectable morsels offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Forget bland, boring seafood – this recipe elevates the humble crab cake to an art form, showcasing the best of Vietnamese cuisine with its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and elegance of this dish, perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a light yet satisfying main course.

This recipe perfectly blends traditional Vietnamese flavors with the classic comfort of a crab cake, resulting in a dish that is both authentic and innovative. From sourcing the freshest ingredients to mastering the perfect frying technique, we'll guide you through every step of the process. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

  • Bowl
  • Fry pan

Ingredients

  • Crab meat (lump and white): 2 pounds
  • Jalapeno
  • Onion
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Ginger
  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Fish sauce: 1 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
  • Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon
  • Egg: 1
  • Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Corn oil: 1/2 cup
  • Croissants
  • Cucumber
  • Tomato
  • Spinach
  • SOPA noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Crab Cake Batter

  • Combine crab meat, jalapeno, onion, parsley, cilantro, ginger, basil, and mint in a bowl.
  • Add fish sauce, cornstarch, mayonnaise, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix well to form a batter.
  • Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.
Combine crab meat, jalapeno, onion, parsley, cilantro, ginger, basil, and mint in a bowl.Add fish sauce, cornstarch, mayonnaise, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix well to form a batter.Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Crab Cake Batter

Step 2. Shape and Fry the Crab Cakes

  • Form the batter into small balls and coat them in panko breadcrumbs.
  • Heat corn oil in a fry pan.
  • Fry the crab cakes for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Form the batter into small balls and coat them in panko breadcrumbs.Heat corn oil in a fry pan.Fry the crab cakes for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Shape and Fry the Crab Cakes

Step 3. Prepare the Croissant Base

  • Prepare croissants, adding mayonnaise to each.
Prepare croissants, adding mayonnaise to each.
Prepare the Croissant Base

Step 4. Assemble and Serve

  • Assemble the crab cakes on the croissants.
  • Serve with thinly sliced cucumber, tomato, spinach, and SOPA noodles.
Assemble the crab cakes on the croissants.Serve with thinly sliced cucumber, tomato, spinach, and SOPA noodles.
Assemble and Serve

Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • This is a very spicy dish.
  • You can form the crab cakes right before frying.
  • You can use any kind of bread for the serving.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the crab meat with another type of seafood?

Yes, you can experiment with shrimp or imitation crab meat, but the flavor profile will change. Shrimp will be lighter, and imitation crab will be less delicate.

2. How can I make these crab cakes ahead of time?

Prepare the crab cake mixture completely up to the frying stage. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then, fry as directed when ready to serve for best results.


These Vietnamese crab cakes offer a unique and exciting culinary experience, blending the familiar comfort of crab cakes with the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Their spicy kick and fresh, herbaceous notes will leave your taste buds wanting more. Enjoy this delicious recipe, and don't hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique variation!