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The taste and texture of crab is hard to replicate, but as a stand-alone appetizer, these canapés are super-tasty

I was recently at a wedding where they had delicious crab and shrimp cakes and I wondered to myself whether I could create a vegan version—so I did. You can make them in various sizes if you want bite-sized, or if you'd like more of a meal where  you’d need a fork to break them down.

INGREDIENTS

  • Approximately 400 g of young jackfruit, in water
  • 2 tbsp ground flax
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, more to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, vegan
  • 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 to 3 tbsp green onion or chives, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped (option to substitute in more chives)
  • Approximately 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs (regular, panko or both)
  • Splash of lemon juice

Vegan Crab Cakes JackfruitChristine McAvoy

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a small bowl, combine the ground flax with 6 tablespoons of water. Whisk together and set aside for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens.
  2. Drain the jackfruit of excess water and break up into fine pieces. (If it’s not already broken up, you can use a food processor to help shred it.)
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice with the Worcestershire, soy and Dijon mustard, as well as the Old Bay, garlic, and salt and pepper—until combined.
  4. Add the broken-down jackfruit, flax egg, chives/green onion, cilantro, and 1 cup of the bread crumbs. Combine (with your hands is easiest) until the mixture comes together evenly.
  5. Form the mix into balls and then patties—to your desired size—then press the extra breadcrumbs into them for a crispier exterior.
  6. Place on a plate in the fridge for approximately an hour or until ready to cook.
  7. I put mine in the air fryer at 375, cooking for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. If you chose to bake them, be sure to keep watch and cook until golden brown.
  8. If you’re frying them in oil, get it nice and hot and cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook on the other. Place on a paper towel afterwards to drain excess oil.
  9. Plate and serve with your choice of dipping sauce (I made a homemade vegan tartar sauce) and optional lemon wedges. Enjoy!