Recipe: Mix and Match Crabcakes or Fishcakes

Mix and Match Crabcakes or Fishcakes
rec.food.cooking/Laura Heuchan/1999

This is a general description of fish or crabcakes where you can pick and choose your ingredients. Most crabcake recipes call for mayonnaise and I don't like it so I like the idea of picking within a category. Also, substitution helps to use what you really like and what's on hand.

Pick one (or more from each category)

FISH
1.5 to 2 lbs.
Lobster, picked crab meat, shrimp, halibut, rockfish, tuna, salmon, cod, haddock, grouper. (I use 1 lb. fresh lump crab meat)

FILLER
Start with 1/2 cup
Cracker crumbs (saltine, oyster, Bremner), fresh bread crumbs, corn bread crumbs, dried bread crumbs, cooked riced potatoes. (I use fresh bread crumbs)

VEGETABLES
Start with 1/2 cup
Diced celery, diced onions, minced scallions, diced red peppers, cooked peas, cooked corn, chopped tomato, peeled, seeded, diced cucumber. (I use celery, onions, red peppers sauteed first)

BINDER
Start with 1/2 - 3/4 cup
Eggs, mayonnaise, creamy chevre, ricotta, softened butter. (I use ricotta)

FLAVORINGS
1 - 3 tablespoons
Diced cornichons, minced capers, chopped olives, minced sun-dried tomatoes, dijon, cavon, or grainy mustards, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire. ( I use dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire)

FRESH HERBS
2 tablespoons
Chives, parsley, basil, dill, cilantro. (I use parsley, basil, dill, whichever ones I have fresh)

BREADING
1 1/2 cups
Nuts and bread crumbs, cracker crumbs, seasoned cornmeal, dry bread crumbs, fresh bread crumbs, ground tortilla chips, matzo meal. (I use matzo meal)

SPICES
1 1/2 teaspoons
Curry powder, celery seed, Old Bay Seasoning, dry thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper. (I use salt and pepper and a small amount of cayenne)

To make:
Stir to combine, chill 1/2 hour, form into cakes and roll in breading. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight, saute on medium heat in corn oil, olive oil, or clarified butter. Brown cakes and finish in 400 degree fahrenheit oven for 5 - 7 minutes. Makes 8 - 10 cakes.

Serve with:
cocktail sauce, flavored mayonnaise, tartar sauce, salsa, remoulade, homemade ketchup, or wasabi (I use cocktail sauce: ketchup, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire, and prepared horseradish to taste).

You can experiment with ingredients and amounts and see what you like.