Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Why You Need My Keto Crab Cakes Recipe
• Are Crab Cakes Keto Friendly?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Keto Crab Cakes
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• More Low Carb Crab Recipes
• Keto Crab Cakes (Gluten Free, 30 Minutes!) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Crab cakes used to be my go-to at restaurants, but it wasn’t until I tried Maryland-style crab cakes — golden and crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, with generous lumps of crab dispersed throughout — that I truly came to appreciate them. So, when it came time to make my own recipe for low carb keto crab cakes , I made sure that it ticks all those boxes… and might even rival the ones I’ve tried at nice seafood restaurants. Don’t be intimidated by low carb crab recipes like this one, though. I promise these gluten free crab cakes are very easy to make — and will feel like a restaurant right at home!

Why You Need My Keto Crab Cakes Recipe

• Plenty of lump crab meat throughout, with very little binder or filler (think Maryland crab cakes!)
• Perfectly golden on the outside
• Common, simple ingredients
• Ready in only 30 minutes
• Just 1.6g net carbs each
• Supportive of all kinds of food restrictions — they are keto, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, whole30, and have a nut-free alternative – all without sacrificing flavor or texture!
• These gluten free crab cakes taste like restaurant-quality

Are Crab Cakes Keto Friendly?

No, regular crab cakes are not keto friendly, as they use wheat flour breadcrumbs as a binder. Typical packaged crab cakes have 8-10 grams of carbs in just one crab cake, which often isn’t enough for a whole meal, so you’re eating 2-3 times that if you have several as a main dish.

As for restaurants? Breadcrumbs are almost always used as a binder and filler, but the amount used will vary based on recipe and quality; higher quality crab cakes will have more crab and less filler.

The good news is, this gluten free crab cakes recipe is definitely keto friendly! With just 2 grams total carbs (and 1.6 grams net carbs) per crab cake, it fits well into a keto diet as an appetizer , salad topper, or low carb main course .

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto crab cake recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

For TheCrab Meat:

Obviously, this is the single most important ingredient in this keto crab cakes recipe. The quality and type of crab you use will have the biggest impact on the end result. Here are the different types and my recommendations:

• Jumbo Lump Crab Meat – The best kind, use this if you want the best keto crab cakes!
• Leftover Fresh Crab Meat – If you have leftover crab from making crab legs , this is just as good as (if not better than!) jumbo lump crab meat from a can.
• Backfin Crab Meat – A combination of small pieces of lump crab meat and flakes of white body meat. This a cheaper alternative is okay, but the texture of your crab cakes is noticeable worse.
• Claw Meat – The cheapest kind and you won’t get any chunks, but it does have a hearty crab flavor. I don’t recommend it for crab cakes, but it could be okay for hot crab dip .
• Imitation Crab Meat – I don’t recommend this for crab cakes, as the taste and texture is totally different. Also, this typically contains sugar (not keto-friendly) and is not gluten-free, either.

Other Ingredients:

• Onion – Use either white or yellow onion. I sauteed it until browned, but caramelized onions are also delicious here for a different vibe.
• Wholesome Yum Almond Flour – The gluten free, keto binder we are using instead of flour or breadcrumbs. I highly recommend using this brand because it’s ground super fine and works better for binding than coarser brands. For a nut-free option, substitute crushed pork rinds . (Do not use coconut flour, as it’s too drying.)
• Egg White – Acts as another binder. I have not tried substitutes, such as flax egg , but if you do, the equivalent would be 2-3 tablespoons.
• Mayonnaise – Adds flavor and richness. You can use store-bought or make homemade mayo .
• Worcestershire Sauce – Be sure to look for a gluten-free brand, like this one .
• Mustard – Either yellow or Dijon mustard.
• Dried Parsley – I used dried for convenience, but you could substitute 3 tablespoons fresh parsley if you like.
• Old Bay Seasoning – A classic choice for so many seafood recipes ! And because crab cake seasoning tends to be a complex combination of many spices, using this seasoning (which is a blend of 18 herbs and spices) saves time. It already has some heat, but if you like more spice, feel free to add some extra black pepper or even cayenne. (Don’t add salt, as the Old Bay is already salty enough.)
• Olive Oil – For frying. Avocado oil works as well.

How To Make Keto Crab Cakes

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute aromatics . Cook the diced onion in olive oil, until translucent and lightly browned.
2. Mix the gluten free crab cake base. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together almond flour, egg white, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, dried parsley, old bay seasoning, and olive oil. Stir in the sauteed onions.

1. Add crab meat. Gently fold in the lump crab meat.
2. Form. With your hands, form the crab cake mixture into patties and place onto a lined baking sheet.
3. Fry. In a large non-stick skillet, fry gluten free crab cakes in olive oil over medium heat, flipping once they are golden on the bottom. Cook in batches as needed.

My Recipe Tips

• Do not over-mix. We want to incorporate the crab without smashing it in and breaking up the lumps of crab.
• If possible, refrigerate formed crab cakes for 30 minutes before cooking. This optional step will help the keto crab cakes stay together when you cook them.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the crab cakes some space so they get that nice golden crust instead of steaming.
• Use a fish spatula if you have one. It’s super thin and makes flipping way easier without breaking them apart.

Serving Ideas

These keto crab cakes can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. Try the pairings below, but no matter what, don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon juice!

• Dipping Sauce – Try keto tartar sauce , Asian spicy mayo , or remoulade sauce.
• Veggies – Such as air fryer asparagus or roasted eggplant . You can also add cauliflower rice as a rice swap or baked rutabaga as a potato swip if you miss starches.
• Salads – Serve keto crab cakes as your protein over a green goddess salad , cobb salad , or spring mix salad .

More Low Carb Crab Recipes

If these low carb gluten free crab cakes are your thing, you’ll also love these other keto crab recipes:

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 lb Lump crab meat ▢
• 1/2 cup Onion (chopped finely) ▢
• 3 tbsp Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour (or crushed pork rinds for nut-free) ▢
• 1/4 cup Egg white ▢
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise ▢
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ▢
• 1 tsp Mustard ▢
• 1 tbsp Dried parsley ▢
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Heat two teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute chopped onion for about 10 minutes , until translucent and lightly browned.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix all other ingredients except the crab meat and remaining olive oil. When everything is well combined, add the sauteed onions.
3. Fold in crab meat very gently. Try to avoid breaking up the lumps of crab meat.
4. Form 8 patties and place on a lined baking sheet or cutting board. If possible, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this will help the crab cakes stay together when frying).
5. Fry crab cakes on a skillet over medium heat, in two batches of four. Use about two teaspoons of oil for each batch, and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until browned.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 crab cake

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you keep the crab cakes from falling apart, getting mushy, or losing those big juicy lumps of crab.
• Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm ’em up in a hot skillet—just until heated through.
• Freeze: I usually double the batch to freeze! Freeze uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray, then wrap and stash in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Gluten Free Keto Crab Cakes

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Keto Crab Cakes (Gluten Free, 30 Minutes!)

Make the best easy gluten free keto crab cakes, with a golden crust and simple ingredients (no breadcrumbs), in just 30 minutes!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/easy-crab-cakes/

Ingredients

• 1 lb Lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup Onion (chopped finely)
• 3 tbsp Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour (or crushed pork rinds for nut-free)
• 1/4 cup Egg white
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Mustard
• 1 tbsp Dried parsley
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)

Instructions

1. Heat two teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute chopped onion for about 10 minutes , until translucent and lightly browned.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix all other ingredients except the crab meat and remaining olive oil. When everything is well combined, add the sauteed onions.
3. Fold in crab meat very gently. Try to avoid breaking up the lumps of crab meat.
4. Form 8 patties and place on a lined baking sheet or cutting board. If possible, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this will help the crab cakes stay together when frying).
5. Fry crab cakes on a skillet over medium heat, in two batches of four. Use about two teaspoons of oil for each batch, and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until browned.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 crab cake

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you keep the crab cakes from falling apart, getting mushy, or losing those big juicy lumps of crab.
• Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm ’em up in a hot skillet—just until heated through.
• Freeze: I usually double the batch to freeze! Freeze uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray, then wrap and stash in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Why You Need My Keto Crab Cakes Recipe
• Are Crab Cakes Keto Friendly?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Keto Crab Cakes
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• More Low Carb Crab Recipes
• Keto Crab Cakes (Gluten Free, 30 Minutes!) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Crab cakes used to be my go-to at restaurants, but it wasn’t until I tried Maryland-style crab cakes — golden and crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, with generous lumps of crab dispersed throughout — that I truly came to appreciate them. So, when it came time to make my own recipe for low carb keto crab cakes , I made sure that it ticks all those boxes… and might even rival the ones I’ve tried at nice seafood restaurants. Don’t be intimidated by low carb crab recipes like this one, though. I promise these gluten free crab cakes are very easy to make — and will feel like a restaurant right at home!

Why You Need My Keto Crab Cakes Recipe

• Plenty of lump crab meat throughout, with very little binder or filler (think Maryland crab cakes!)
• Perfectly golden on the outside
• Common, simple ingredients
• Ready in only 30 minutes
• Just 1.6g net carbs each
• Supportive of all kinds of food restrictions — they are keto, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, whole30, and have a nut-free alternative – all without sacrificing flavor or texture!
• These gluten free crab cakes taste like restaurant-quality

Are Crab Cakes Keto Friendly?

No, regular crab cakes are not keto friendly, as they use wheat flour breadcrumbs as a binder. Typical packaged crab cakes have 8-10 grams of carbs in just one crab cake, which often isn’t enough for a whole meal, so you’re eating 2-3 times that if you have several as a main dish.

As for restaurants? Breadcrumbs are almost always used as a binder and filler, but the amount used will vary based on recipe and quality; higher quality crab cakes will have more crab and less filler.

The good news is, this gluten free crab cakes recipe is definitely keto friendly! With just 2 grams total carbs (and 1.6 grams net carbs) per crab cake, it fits well into a keto diet as an appetizer , salad topper, or low carb main course .

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto crab cake recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

For TheCrab Meat:

Obviously, this is the single most important ingredient in this keto crab cakes recipe. The quality and type of crab you use will have the biggest impact on the end result. Here are the different types and my recommendations:

• Jumbo Lump Crab Meat – The best kind, use this if you want the best keto crab cakes!
• Leftover Fresh Crab Meat – If you have leftover crab from making crab legs , this is just as good as (if not better than!) jumbo lump crab meat from a can.
• Backfin Crab Meat – A combination of small pieces of lump crab meat and flakes of white body meat. This a cheaper alternative is okay, but the texture of your crab cakes is noticeable worse.
• Claw Meat – The cheapest kind and you won’t get any chunks, but it does have a hearty crab flavor. I don’t recommend it for crab cakes, but it could be okay for hot crab dip .
• Imitation Crab Meat – I don’t recommend this for crab cakes, as the taste and texture is totally different. Also, this typically contains sugar (not keto-friendly) and is not gluten-free, either.

Other Ingredients:

• Onion – Use either white or yellow onion. I sauteed it until browned, but caramelized onions are also delicious here for a different vibe.
• Wholesome Yum Almond Flour – The gluten free, keto binder we are using instead of flour or breadcrumbs. I highly recommend using this brand because it’s ground super fine and works better for binding than coarser brands. For a nut-free option, substitute crushed pork rinds . (Do not use coconut flour, as it’s too drying.)
• Egg White – Acts as another binder. I have not tried substitutes, such as flax egg , but if you do, the equivalent would be 2-3 tablespoons.
• Mayonnaise – Adds flavor and richness. You can use store-bought or make homemade mayo .
• Worcestershire Sauce – Be sure to look for a gluten-free brand, like this one .
• Mustard – Either yellow or Dijon mustard.
• Dried Parsley – I used dried for convenience, but you could substitute 3 tablespoons fresh parsley if you like.
• Old Bay Seasoning – A classic choice for so many seafood recipes ! And because crab cake seasoning tends to be a complex combination of many spices, using this seasoning (which is a blend of 18 herbs and spices) saves time. It already has some heat, but if you like more spice, feel free to add some extra black pepper or even cayenne. (Don’t add salt, as the Old Bay is already salty enough.)
• Olive Oil – For frying. Avocado oil works as well.

How To Make Keto Crab Cakes

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute aromatics . Cook the diced onion in olive oil, until translucent and lightly browned.
2. Mix the gluten free crab cake base. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together almond flour, egg white, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, dried parsley, old bay seasoning, and olive oil. Stir in the sauteed onions.

1. Add crab meat. Gently fold in the lump crab meat.
2. Form. With your hands, form the crab cake mixture into patties and place onto a lined baking sheet.
3. Fry. In a large non-stick skillet, fry gluten free crab cakes in olive oil over medium heat, flipping once they are golden on the bottom. Cook in batches as needed.

My Recipe Tips

• Do not over-mix. We want to incorporate the crab without smashing it in and breaking up the lumps of crab.
• If possible, refrigerate formed crab cakes for 30 minutes before cooking. This optional step will help the keto crab cakes stay together when you cook them.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the crab cakes some space so they get that nice golden crust instead of steaming.
• Use a fish spatula if you have one. It’s super thin and makes flipping way easier without breaking them apart.

Serving Ideas

These keto crab cakes can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. Try the pairings below, but no matter what, don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon juice!

• Dipping Sauce – Try keto tartar sauce , Asian spicy mayo , or remoulade sauce.
• Veggies – Such as air fryer asparagus or roasted eggplant . You can also add cauliflower rice as a rice swap or baked rutabaga as a potato swip if you miss starches.
• Salads – Serve keto crab cakes as your protein over a green goddess salad , cobb salad , or spring mix salad .

More Low Carb Crab Recipes

If these low carb gluten free crab cakes are your thing, you’ll also love these other keto crab recipes:

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 lb Lump crab meat ▢
• 1/2 cup Onion (chopped finely) ▢
• 3 tbsp Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour (or crushed pork rinds for nut-free) ▢
• 1/4 cup Egg white ▢
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise ▢
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ▢
• 1 tsp Mustard ▢
• 1 tbsp Dried parsley ▢
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Heat two teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute chopped onion for about 10 minutes , until translucent and lightly browned.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix all other ingredients except the crab meat and remaining olive oil. When everything is well combined, add the sauteed onions.
3. Fold in crab meat very gently. Try to avoid breaking up the lumps of crab meat.
4. Form 8 patties and place on a lined baking sheet or cutting board. If possible, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this will help the crab cakes stay together when frying).
5. Fry crab cakes on a skillet over medium heat, in two batches of four. Use about two teaspoons of oil for each batch, and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until browned.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 crab cake

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you keep the crab cakes from falling apart, getting mushy, or losing those big juicy lumps of crab.
• Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm ’em up in a hot skillet—just until heated through.
• Freeze: I usually double the batch to freeze! Freeze uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray, then wrap and stash in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.

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Gluten Free Keto Crab Cakes