Hearts of Palm “Crab Cakes”

Hearts of Palm “Crab Cakes”: A Delicious and Healthy Vegan Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re craving the crispy, golden perfection of crab cakes but want a plant-based alternative that’s just as satisfying, Hearts of Palm “Crab Cakes” are the answer! These clever little cakes use hearts of palm—a nutrient-packed, vegetable-based ingredient that mimics the texture and taste of crab meat—creating a dish that’s both delicious and healthy. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to cut back on seafood, these “crab cakes” will quickly become your go-to recipe for a flavorful, guilt-free treat.

Hearts of palm are known for their mild flavor and tender, slightly stringy texture, making them a fantastic substitute for seafood in many recipes. When paired with the right seasonings and ingredients, they take on the classic taste of crab cakes, but with none of the fishiness. With a crunchy golden crust and a tender, savory interior, these cakes are perfect for an appetizer, a light meal, or even as a fun addition to your holiday spread.

Here’s everything you need to know about making Hearts of Palm “Crab Cakes”—a dish that’s as tasty as it is versatile!

Why You’ll Love Hearts of Palm “Crab Cakes”

Vegan and Gluten-Free: These crab cakes are entirely plant-based and gluten-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. They’re also a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Healthy and Nutritious: Hearts of palm are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and folate. This makes them a nutrient-dense ingredient that adds both taste and health benefits to your meal.
Satisfying Texture: The hearts of palm have a delicate, flaky texture that mimics the feel of crab meat, making it a perfect substitute in this recipe. Combined with breadcrumbs and seasonings, these cakes achieve that perfect crab cake texture—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal prep and cook time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a party and need a crowd-pleasing dish in no time.

Ingredients:

2 cans of hearts of palm, drained and chopped (or about 2 cups of fresh hearts of palm, chopped)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version)
1/4 cup vegan mayo (or regular mayo if you’re not vegan)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more for serving)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or a seafood seasoning blend)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

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