Krabby Patties (Vegan Crab Cakes) (2024)

Well hello again! We’re back at it making insanely delicious plant-based alternatives to traditional favorites. Today’s project? Crab(ish) cakes. Or “krabby patties”, as we like to call them.

Our team at Tasteful Kitchen has concocted an incredible recipe for vegan crab cakes that we just can’t wait for you to try. Made with chickpeas and artichoke hearts and loaded with fresh herbs and savory seasonings, these patties are SO tasty and satisfying. They come with a side of roasted potatoes and our famous tangy slaw. The perfect compliments.

In this post, we’ll delve into the tastes and textures of these crab-less crab cakes as well as address the myriad of health benefits they offer. Ready? Let’s go!

Why We Love This Vegan Entree

Before we dive into the details of these vegan crab cakes, let’s talk more generally about some of the reasons you need to add them to your cart right now. Here’s what makes them stand out:

• Authentic flavor: Our vegan crab cakes do a surprisingly excellent job of mimicking the taste of traditional crab cakes. With a savory, umami flavor profile complete with kelp granules for a hint of the sea, they are sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike.
• Texture: The combination of chickpeas and artichoke hearts creates a satisfying, flaky, meaty texture that resembles real crab meat.
• Nutrition: These vegan crab cakes are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from chickpeas and artichoke hearts. They are the perfect fuel for your active plant-based lifestyle.

What Do Krabby Patties Taste Like?

Making these vegan crab cakes was quite the challenge! We wanted to hammer home that flaky texture and seafood-y flavor you would find in traditional crab cakes. And we did it!

Our chefs mixed garbanzo beans and artichoke hearts, creating shockingly realistic vegan crab meat with a satisfying, meaty, flaky texture. We used breadcrumbs, vegan mayo, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to bind everything together and added green onions, dried parsley, and Old Bay Seasoning—basically everything you’d find in a traditional crab cake—just veganized.

Our secret weapon? For that authentic seafood-inspired flavor, we added kelp granules to the mix. They bring a hint of the ocean that really ties everything together.

The result? Crispy vegan crab cakes bursting with umami, savory, seafood-y goodness, guaranteed to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike.

Job well done!

The Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Crab Cakes

Our krabby patties are not just a tasty treat, they are loaded with nutrients to fuel your vegan (or vegan-curious) lifestyle. Let’s have a look at the key ingredients that make it all possible:

Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutrient-dense legume that offers a wide array of health benefits. Shall we take a closer look?

• Plenty o’ protein: One of the notable health benefits of chickpeas is their high protein content, which makes them an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
• Lots of fiber: Chickpeas are rich in dietary fiber, which keeps you fuller for longer and promotes healthy digestion. This makes them a great option for those looking to better manage their weight and/or control cravings. Fiber also helps the body regulate blood sugar and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Vitamins and minerals: These mighty legumes are loaded with folate, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium, which play crucial roles in various bodily functions such as red blood cell production, bone health, and energy metabolism.
• Heart healthy: Chickpeas are low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, making them heart-healthy food choices that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

We love chickpeas for their various health benefits but also for what they do for our crab cakes! Mashed, they really contribute the the realistic, “meaty” texture of these plant-based patties.

Artichoke hearts

Artichoke hearts, the tender inner portion of the artichoke, boast a variety of health benefits that make them a valuable addition to a nutritious diet. Here come some highlights:

• Lots of vitamins and minerals: Artichoke hearts are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate, magnesium, and potassium, promoting overall health and well-being.
• Great for digestion: Rich in fiber, artichoke hearts support healthy digestion, regulate bowel movements, and maintain gut health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
• Liver support: Artichoke hearts contain compounds that aid in liver function and promote detoxification processes, supporting liver health and improving overall well-being.
• Antioxidant properties: With high levels of antioxidants, artichoke hearts help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage. All part of the recipe for a long, healthy, happy life.
• Heart health: The potassium content in artichoke hearts helps regulate blood pressure, while the fiber and antioxidants support cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels and inflammation. So next time your heart needs a little lovin’, eat a couple of artichoke hearts!

Artichoke hearts have a relatively mild flavor, but they are pretty much wholly responsible for the crab-like, flaky texture of our krabby patties. Pretty fun, right?

Cabbage

Our slaw is made with a variety of raw veggies, all tossed together in a creamy, tangy dressing. The star ingredient? Cabbage. We love cabbage not only for its delicious crunch but also for the following health benefits:

• Low calories, high fiber: Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, promoting digestive health, weight management, and satiety.
• Vitamins and minerals: Cabbage is a rich source of vitamins C and K, vital for immune function and bone health.
• Detox: There are plenty of antioxidants in cabbage, which have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The sulfur compounds in cabbage support detoxification processes in the body.

All in all, including cabbage in your diet may help reduce inflammation, protect against chronic diseases, and improve overall health. And this slaw is a very tasty way to do it.

Roasted Potatoes

We serve our krabby patties with a side of savory roasted potatoes. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. They can be helpful in boosting immune function, digestion, brain health, and heart health. Potatoes are a complex carbohydrate, so they’re great for sustained energy. Plus, they are rich in antioxidants. All good things!

Serving Suggestions

Between the slaw, the potatoes, and the crab cakes themselves, you’ve got yourself a complete meal. That being said, if you want to zhuzh things up a bit, we highly recommend serving them with a side of aioli or tartar sauce. Maybe a wedge or two of lemon as well.

Conclusion

These vegan crab cakes made with chickpeas and artichoke hearts are a delightful and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional crab cakes. With awesome, authentic taste and texture, they offer a satisfying and flavorful experience for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Curious about transitioning to a more plant-based lifestyle, have a read through our post on Why Veganism Matters. Ready to take the plunge? Go in eyes wide open about How to Maintain a Balanced Vegan Diet.

Here at Tasteful Kitchen, we hope to inspire you to explore (or continue exploring) the world of vegan cuisine, savoring the flavors, and embracing the journey towards a healthier and more compassionate lifestyle.

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