Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo

Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, crispy crab cake that’s packed with fresh, sweet crab meat, perfectly seasoned and nestled inside a soft slider bun. Now, top it off with a drizzle of creamy, spicy mayo—oh, yes, this is happening! Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo are the ultimate combination of gourmet and comfort food, making them the perfect appetizer for your next gathering or a fun dinner that feels a little fancy but is totally doable. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, having friends over for game day, or just treating yourself to something special, these sliders will steal the show. Trust me, you’re going to want to make extra—they disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo

Here’s why this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser, and why you’ll keep coming back for more:

Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

These sliders are all about balance—flaky, sweet crab cakes with a crunchy, golden exterior, paired with the cool richness of spicy mayo. It’s a mouthwatering combo of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.

Perfectly Portion-Controlled

Who doesn’t love a slider? These little crab cakes are just the right size for a bite-sized treat. They’re perfect for sharing (or not—no judgment if you decide to keep them all for yourself!).

Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve

With a little prep and some simple ingredients, you’ll create something that looks and tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. These sliders have a gourmet vibe but are surprisingly easy to make, which makes them perfect for a stress-free meal or party food.

Customizable

If you’re a fan of extra heat, you can make your spicy mayo as fiery as you want. Not a fan of spicy? No worries—you can make the mayo milder or even use a regular aioli for a less kicky sauce. You can also get creative with toppings—think lettuce, avocado, or even a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.

Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on dinner or a party snack that will have everyone reaching for seconds, these sliders fit the bill. They’re perfect for both casual nights at home and special occasions.

Ingredients

Making Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo doesn’t require anything fancy, just good, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crab Cakes:

• Crab Meat: Fresh crab meat is the star of the show. You can use lump crab meat or claw meat—just make sure it’s high quality!
• Breadcrumbs: Lightly toasted breadcrumbs give the crab cakes structure and a bit of crunch.
• Egg: This binds everything together, making sure the cakes stay together when you cook them.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and creaminess to the crab mixture.
• Dijon Mustard: For a bit of tang and depth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of this deep, savory sauce adds great umami to the crab cakes.
• Green Onion: Finely chopped green onions for a touch of freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A must for crab cakes! It’s the quintessential spice blend for seafood, adding a bold, zesty flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the crab cakes.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.

For the Spicy Mayo:

• Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce—creamy and rich.
• Sriracha Sauce: This gives the mayo its spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to your desired level of heat.
• Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze to balance out the richness of the mayo with a little acidity.
• Garlic Powder: For that extra depth of flavor.
• Honey or Sugar (optional): A tiny bit of sweetness can balance the heat and add complexity.

For Assembling:

• Slider Buns: Soft, fluffy buns that will hold everything together without overpowering the crab cakes.
• Lettuce (optional): A small piece of crispy lettuce adds some freshness and crunch to the sliders.

Instructions

Now that we’ve got all the ingredients, let’s make these Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo!

Step 1: Make the Crab Cakes

In a large mixing bowl, combine your crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and green onions. Stir gently, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much. Add Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined.

Step 2: Form the Crab Cakes

Divide the crab mixture into small portions, about 2 tablespoons each. Gently shape each portion into a small patty, making sure it’s compact but not packed too tightly.

Step 3: Cook the Crab Cakes

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add the crab cakes and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping—they’re delicate, so use a wide spatula to avoid breaking them.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and honey (if using). Stir everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level if needed by adding more Sriracha.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Lightly toast your slider buns in the same skillet or oven until golden and warm. Spread a generous amount of the spicy mayo on the bottom of each bun. Add a crab cake to each bun and top with a piece of lettuce if desired. Place the top of the bun on and give it a little press to hold everything together.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 4 servings (or 8 sliders)
Calories per serving: 350-400 (depending on portion size and mayo usage)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo

These sliders are perfect for any occasion, but here are a few ways you can serve them for maximum enjoyment:

• As a Main Dish: Serve these sliders with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• At a Party: Make them mini! These sliders are perfect for entertaining, so whip up a batch and serve with some pickles, chips, or fresh fruit on the side.
• With a Drink: Pair these sliders with a refreshing drink like an ice-cold beer, a lemonade, or even a sparkling wine for an elevated experience.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Crab: If possible, go for fresh crab meat from your local seafood market—it makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
• Make Them Ahead: You can prepare the crab cakes in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This makes them easier to handle and gives them time to set.
• Make It Your Own: Add extra flavors like chopped parsley, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of cayenne if you want to customize the crab cakes to your taste.
• Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the crab cakes, as they can dry out. Cook them just until golden brown on both sides for the perfect texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these sliders without crab meat?
A1: You can substitute the crab with cooked shrimp or a fish like tilapia or cod, but crab is truly the star of this dish!

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftover crab cakes and spicy mayo in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the crab cakes in a skillet to preserve their crispy exterior.

Q3: Can I freeze the crab cakes?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked crab cakes. Just shape them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q4: How do I make the spicy mayo less spicy?
A4: To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of Sriracha and add more mayo. You can also add a bit of honey to balance the spice with sweetness.

Q5: Can I use store-bought crab cakes?
A5: You can, but homemade crab cakes always taste better and are so much fresher! If you do use store-bought, just focus on assembling and enjoying the sliders.

Q6: Can I serve these crab cakes without the buns?
A6: Absolutely! Serve the crab cakes on their own or over a salad for a low-carb option. The spicy mayo still works perfectly as a dipping sauce.

Q7: Can I add cheese to the sliders?
A7: Yes! A slice of cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack would be a great addition. Just melt it on top of the

crab cakes in the last minute of cooking.

Q8: How spicy is the spicy mayo?
A8: The level of spice depends on how much Sriracha you use. Start with a little and taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat.

Q9: What can I serve with these crab cake sliders?
A9: Serve with crispy fries, a refreshing slaw, or a light salad to complement the rich crab cakes.

Q10: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make these crab cake sliders completely gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo are a delicious and easy way to impress your guests or treat yourself to something special. They offer a combination of fresh flavors, crispy textures, and creamy spice that make each bite unforgettable. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a fancy appetizer at a party—these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit!

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