Crab Cakes with Coconut

These appetizer sized crab cakes are delicious and rich! People consume quite a lot of them. That's why the recipe uses 2 pounds of crab meat. This recipe has been adapted for the gluten free community by Gf-Zing!

2 pounds fresh or canned gluten free crab meat (drained in a strainer) - about 1 quart
1 pound frozen grated fresh coconut (Asian grocery stores carry this product) - one package
7-8 cloves garlic, finely grated
3 Tablespoons gluten free Fish Sauce (check the label for wheat)
3 Tablespoons gluten free Oyster Sauce (choy sum)
4 eggs
freshly ground black pepper
cornstarch if necessary

Glutino brand corn and rice bread, made in to crumbs (for rolling the cakes in before frying)

Mix the crab meat, coconut meat, garlic, sauces and pepper, and eggs together. Do not break up the crab too much - leave some whole chunks in there. Make a mixture that can be formed in to small cakes. If the mixture is too wet, add up to 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch and some of the bread crumbs, until the mixture will form cakes.

Make bite-sized cakes from the mixture, - about 1 - 1 1/2 inches across, and roll them in the breadcrumbs and place them on waxed paper, ready for frying.

Heat some frying oil in a large pan until quite hot - 400 degrees, or prepare a deep-fryer. Be careful not to burn yourself! If you are making this dish for gluten-free guests, and you have used your deep-fryer oil for frying something else, change the oil before preparing this dish for your gluten-free guests. Don't be shy about telling them that you used new oil - they will appreciate your care and concern!

Fry the cakes a few at a time until they are golden. Drain the cakes on paper towels to absorb excess frying oil.

Notes: Be careful to read the label on Thai or Vienamese Fish Sauce - some brands contain wheat. For oyster sauce, check the internet lists or your local store for the brands that assert that they are gluten-free.

Serve these cakes with Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (gluten free).

Make sure that all your ingredients are gluten-free!

© Gf-Zing! | Alice DeLuca