Out of Mayonnaise, one case
Mayonnaise substitutes for crab cakes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Greek yogurt
Same amount as the mayonnaise
The best mayonnaise substitutes for crab cakes are Greek yogurt (1:1 ratio), sour cream (1:1 ratio), or a combination of both. Greek yogurt provides tangy flavor and creaminess, while sour cream adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Best for —
- crab cakes
One casethe full mayonnaise card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of mayonnaise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greek yogurtcrab cakes | Same amount |
| 2 | Sour creamcrab cakes | Same amount |
| 3 | Greek yogurt + sour cream mixcrab cakes | Same amountHalf Greek yogurt, half sour cream |
| 4 | Mashed avocadocrab cakes | Same amount |
| 5 | Hummuscrab cakes | Same amount |
Greek yogurt
tangy and creamy
Plain Greek yogurt provides the good tangy flavor and creamy texture for crab cakes. It's lower in fat and higher in protein than mayonnaise while maintaining the desired consistency and binding properties.
- Best for
- crab cakes, when you want healthier option, tangy flavor, binding properties
- Texture
- thick and binding
Use plain Greek yogurt for best results. Add lemon juice, salt, and herbs to enhance flavor. Creates a creamy, binding consistency that holds crab cakes together.
Sour cream
tangy and creamy
Sour cream provides similar tangy flavor and creamy texture to mayonnaise. It's a great option for those who want the familiar taste and texture of traditional crab cakes.
- Best for
- crab cakes, when you want familiar taste, creamy texture, binding properties
- Texture
- similar to mayonnaise
Use full-fat sour cream for best texture. Add lemon juice, salt, and herbs to enhance flavor. Creates a smooth, binding consistency.
Greek yogurt + sour cream mix
balanced tangy and rich
A combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream provides the best of both worlds - tangy flavor from yogurt and richness from sour cream. This creates the good balance for crab cakes.
- Best for
- crab cakes, when you want balanced flavor, creamy texture, best of both worlds
- Texture
- creamy and binding
Mix equal parts Greek yogurt and sour cream. Add lemon juice, salt, and herbs to taste. Creates the good balance of tangy and rich flavors.
Mashed avocado
rich and buttery
Ripe mashed avocado provides natural creaminess and healthy fats. It adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements crab well and creates a unique twist on traditional crab cakes.
- Best for
- crab cakes, when you want healthy fats, creamy texture, natural option
- Texture
- creamy and binding
Use ripe avocados for best texture. Add lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor. Mix immediately before using for best results.
Hummus
slightly nutty
Plain hummus provides creaminess and adds protein and fiber. It has a slightly nutty flavor that works well with crab and creates a unique, nutritious crab cake.
- Best for
- crab cakes, when you want protein, creamy texture, Mediterranean flavor
- Texture
- thick and binding
Use plain hummus for best results. Add lemon juice and salt to taste. Creates a thick, binding consistency that holds crab cakes together.
How it behaves in this recipe
Crab cakes require a creamy, binding agent that can hold the ingredients together while providing moisture and flavor. The best substitutes work because they provide similar texture and binding properties while adding complementary flavors that enhance the overall dish.
Tips for substituting mayonnaise
7 tips- Greek yogurt is the most popular choice for crab cakes as it provides the right texture and tangy flavor
- A combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream gives the best balance of flavor and texture
- Add lemon juice to any substitute to enhance flavor and prevent browning
- Season your substitute with salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or chives
- For best results, mix the substitute with the crab mixture while it's still cold
- If using avocado, mix immediately before using to prevent browning
- For extra creaminess, you can add a small amount of olive oil to Greek yogurt
Notes on mayonnaise
- For tangy flavor and creaminess, use Greek yogurt
- For familiar taste and texture, use sour cream
- For balanced flavor, mix Greek yogurt and sour cream
- For healthy fats and unique flavor, use mashed avocado
- For protein and fiber, use hummus
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best mayonnaise substitute for crab cakes?
Greek yogurt is the best mayonnaise substitute for crab cakes. It provides the good creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements crab. Use a 1:1 ratio and add lemon juice, salt, and herbs to taste.
Can I use sour cream instead of mayonnaise in crab cakes?
Yes, sour cream works great as a mayonnaise substitute in crab cakes! It provides similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Use a 1:1 ratio and add lemon juice and seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Can I mix Greek yogurt and sour cream for crab cakes?
Yes, mixing Greek yogurt and sour cream creates the good balance for crab cakes. It combines the tangy flavor of yogurt with the richness of sour cream. Use equal parts of each for best results.
Is avocado a good substitute for mayonnaise in crab cakes?
Yes, mashed avocado can work as a mayonnaise substitute in crab cakes. It provides natural creaminess and healthy fats while adding a unique flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio and mix immediately before using.
How do I make crab cakes without mayonnaise?
You can make crab cakes without mayonnaise by using Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a combination of both. Use a 1:1 ratio and add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or chives to taste.