Ingredients

  • 13 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 cups ground almond meal, plus 2/3 cup for dredging
  • 4 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 13 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup canola or grapeseed oil for frying
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 23 to 1 cup grapeseed oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

  • Make the crab cakes: Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, egg, egg yolk and lemon zest and juice in a large bowl.
  • Mix in 2 cups of almond meal, scallions and herbs until thoroughly combined.
  • Gently fold in crab.
  • Season with salt and white pepper, cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the aioli: Combine egg yolks, mustard, garlic and lemon zest and juice in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
  • With machine running, slowly drizzle in the grapeseed oil a few drops at a time until the mixture begins to thicken.
  • Gradually increase the oil to a thin, steady stream, blending to a uniform creamy consistency.
  • If aioli breaks, drizzle in a little lukewarm water a few drops at a time until consistency is reached again.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Will keep 2 days or more in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Mix remaining 2/3 cup almond meal and cornmeal in a pie plate and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Divide crab mixture into 12 equal portions and form into 2-inch patties.
  • Coat in almond-cornmeal mixture.
  • Heat 1/4 cup canola or grapeseed oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is hot but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  • Cook crab cakes in batches, 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crisp, wiping out the skillet and adding fresh oil between the batches.
  • Transfer to a paper-towel-lined tray.
  • Crab cakes can be kept warm in a 200-degree oven for up to 30 minutes.