Spicy Crab Cakes

Ingredients:
3 slices day old bread
1/2 pound fresh crab meat
1/2 cup fineliy diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 cup plus 3 T hot chili sauce with garlic
1 egg
1/4 t salt
olive oil

To Begin:
Arrange oven rack at center
Pre-heat to 350 degrees

Preparation:
Pulse bread slices in food processor til fine bread crumbs are formed.
Spread on baking sheet and bake until golden, stirring once, about 5 minutes.
Remove and place in a bowl.

Place crab in a clean towel and squeze out excess liquid.

Combine meat in large bowl with pepper, onion and cilantro.
Stir to blend.
Add 3 tablespoons chili sauce, egg and salt.
Mix well, then then stir in bread crumbs.

Chill for 30 minutes or more, to firm.

Shape mixture into 12 patties, about 3 inches in diameter.

Place on baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap
Cakes can be prepared 3-4 hours in advance.

To Cook:
Heat enough oil to coat bottom of pan, over medium-high
When very hot, cook 3-4 cakes at a time til goledn brown, about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes per side

Remove to platter and cover cakes loosely with foil to keep warm or store in warm oven

To Serve :
Drizzle chili sauce over each cake.
Place remaining sauce in small bowl to pass.

 

Source: 'The Big Book of Backyard Cooking' by Betty Rosbottom