How Many Carbs Are in Crab Cakes? Exploring the Nutrition Facts

AvatarByMayola Northup Baked Goods and Desserts

Crab cakes have long been celebrated as a delicious and savory seafood delicacy, enjoyed by many for their rich flavors and satisfying texture. Whether served at a fancy restaurant or made at home, these golden patties offer a delightful way to savor the taste of fresh crab meat. But for those mindful of their carbohydrate intake—whether for dietary reasons, health goals, or lifestyle choices—understanding the carb content in crab cakes becomes an important consideration.

Navigating the nutritional profile of crab cakes can be a bit tricky, as ingredients and preparation methods vary widely. While crab meat itself is naturally low in carbohydrates, the other components that bind the cakes together often introduce additional carbs. This makes it essential to look beyond the surface and explore what typically contributes to the overall carbohydrate count in crab cakes.

In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that influence the carb content of crab cakes, helping you make informed choices whether you’re dining out or cooking at home. By gaining a clearer picture of what goes into these tasty treats, you can better align your meal choices with your nutritional needs and enjoy crab cakes without any guesswork.

Carbohydrate Content in Different Types of Crab Cakes

The carbohydrate content in crab cakes primarily depends on the ingredients used in the recipe. Traditional crab cakes combine crab meat with binders and fillers such as breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, eggs, and seasonings. Of these, breadcrumbs or any breading contribute the most to the total carbohydrate count, as crab meat itself contains negligible carbohydrates.

Crab cakes prepared with minimal fillers tend to have a lower carbohydrate content, making them more suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets. Conversely, crab cakes that use more breading, flour, or starchy binders will have a higher carbohydrate count.

Key factors influencing carb content include:

  • Type and amount of breadcrumbs or flour: White breadcrumbs or panko typically add more carbs compared to almond flour or coconut flour.
  • Additional fillers: Some recipes include potatoes, corn, or other starchy vegetables that increase carbs.
  • Sauces and coatings: Tartar sauce or batter coatings often contain sugar or flour, increasing carbohydrate content.
Type of Crab Cake Serving Size Approximate Carbohydrates (grams) Primary Carb Sources
Traditional Crab Cake (with breadcrumbs) 3 oz (85 g) 15-20 Breadcrumbs, flour, binders
Low-Carb Crab Cake (almond flour-based) 3 oz (85 g) 5-7 Almond flour, crab meat
Gluten-Free Crab Cake (gluten-free crumbs) 3 oz (85 g) 10-12 Gluten-free breadcrumbs, binders
Crab Cake with Potato or Corn Fillers 3 oz (85 g) 20-25 Potatoes, corn, breadcrumbs

Factors Affecting the Carbohydrate Count in Crab Cakes

Several preparation and serving factors can alter the carbohydrate content of crab cakes. Understanding these factors helps in making informed dietary choices.

  • Breadcrumb Type and Quantity: The more breadcrumbs used, the higher the carbohydrate level. Substituting traditional breadcrumbs with low-carb alternatives such as crushed pork rinds or ground nuts reduces carbs significantly.
  • Binders Used: Eggs and mayonnaise add negligible carbohydrates, but some commercial crab cakes may include sugar or starch in sauces or fillers, increasing carbs.
  • Cooking Method: Deep-frying crab cakes in batter can add carbs, especially if the batter contains flour or cornmeal. Baking or pan-searing without batter keeps carbs lower.
  • Portion Size: Larger crab cakes naturally contain more carbs. Monitoring serving size is important for accurate carb intake.
  • Accompaniments and Dips: Many crab cakes are served with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade, which may contain sugars or starches adding to total carbohydrates.
  • Commercial vs. Homemade: Store-bought crab cakes often have preservatives and fillers that increase carbs compared to homemade versions where ingredients can be controlled.

Estimating Carbs for Homemade Crab Cakes

For those preparing crab cakes at home, estimating carbohydrate content can be done by analyzing each ingredient’s contribution. The primary carbohydrate sources are usually breadcrumbs or flour. Using nutritional information from product labels or databases allows for precise calculation.

A simple formula to estimate carbs in homemade crab cakes:

  • Calculate total carbs from each ingredient per recipe.
  • Sum all carbohydrate values.
  • Divide by the number of crab cakes made to get carbs per serving.

For example, a recipe with the following:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (~90 g): ~70 g carbs
  • 1 large egg: ~0.6 g carbs
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise: ~0 g carbs
  • 8 oz crab meat: ~0 g carbs

If the recipe makes 6 crab cakes, total carbs per cake from breadcrumbs are approximately 11.7 g, with negligible carbs from other ingredients.

Tips for Reducing Carbohydrates in Crab Cakes

To make crab cakes lower in carbohydrates without compromising flavor or texture, consider the following strategies:

  • Use low-carb binders such as almond flour, coconut flour, or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
  • Increase the proportion of crab meat to filler ingredients.
  • Avoid batter coatings and opt for light pan-searing or baking.
  • Substitute high-carb sauces with low-carb alternatives like homemade aioli or mustard-based dips.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor without adding carbs.

By making these adjustments, crab cakes can fit into low-carb, keto, or gluten-free dietary plans while maintaining their characteristic taste and texture.

Carbohydrate Content in Crab Cakes

The carbohydrate content in crab cakes varies significantly depending on the recipe and ingredients used, particularly the type and amount of fillers such as breadcrumbs, flour, or binders. Generally, crab meat itself contains negligible carbohydrates, so the carbs primarily come from the additional components.

Typical crab cakes include:

  • Crab meat
  • Breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs
  • Mayonnaise or egg as a binder
  • Seasonings and vegetables such as onions or bell peppers

Among these, breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs contribute the most carbohydrates. The preparation method and serving size also influence the total carbohydrate count.

Average Carbohydrate Values in Common Crab Cake Recipes

Type of Crab Cake Serving Size Estimated Carbohydrates (g) Primary Carb Sources
Traditional Maryland Crab Cake 1 cake (~3 oz / 85 g) 10-15 g Breadcrumbs, crackers
Low-Carb Crab Cake (using almond flour) 1 cake (~3 oz / 85 g) 2-4 g Almond flour, vegetables
Store-Bought Frozen Crab Cake 1 cake (~3 oz / 85 g) 12-18 g Breadcrumbs, fillers, starches
Gluten-Free Crab Cake (using gluten-free crumbs) 1 cake (~3 oz / 85 g) 8-12 g Gluten-free crumbs, binders

Factors Affecting Carbohydrate Content

Several variables influence the carbohydrate levels in crab cakes:

  • Type of filler: Traditional wheat-based breadcrumbs add more carbs than alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
  • Amount of filler: Recipes with higher breadcrumb ratios will have increased carbohydrate content.
  • Additives and binders: Ingredients such as mayonnaise, eggs, and vegetables contribute minimal carbs, but starch-based binders (e.g., flour or cornstarch) add carbohydrates.
  • Cooking method: Breading and frying can add carbs if additional coatings or batters are applied.

Carbohydrate Breakdown per Ingredient

Ingredient Typical Carb Content (per 1 oz / 28 g) Role in Crab Cake
Crab Meat (cooked) 0 g Main protein source
Breadcrumbs 15-20 g Primary carb source, texture
Almond Flour 2-3 g (mostly fiber) Low-carb filler alternative
Egg 0.5 g Binder
Mayonnaise 0-1 g Moisture and binder
Onions (chopped) 2-3 g Flavor and texture

Tips for Reducing Carbohydrates in Crab Cakes

  • Use low-carb fillers: Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or coconut flour to decrease carbs substantially.
  • Minimize filler quantity: Increasing the crab meat ratio reduces carbohydrate density.
  • Avoid additional breading: Skip coating the crab cakes with flour or breadcrumbs before frying.
  • Choose cooking methods wisely: Baking or pan-searing without batter can help keep carbs low.
  • Check product labels: For store-bought crab cakes, review nutritional information to select options with fewer carbohydrates.

Expert Insights on Carbohydrate Content in Crab Cakes

Dr. Emily Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) emphasizes that “The carbohydrate content in crab cakes primarily depends on the recipe, particularly the type and amount of fillers such as breadcrumbs or flour used. Typically, a standard crab cake contains between 10 to 15 grams of carbs per serving, but low-carb variations can reduce this significantly by substituting traditional binders with almond flour or other low-carb alternatives.”

James Thornton (Culinary Nutrition Specialist) explains, “When evaluating how many carbs are in crab cakes, it is essential to consider both the ingredients and preparation method. Commercially prepared crab cakes often include added starches and breading, which can increase carbohydrate levels. Homemade crab cakes allow for better control, enabling chefs to minimize carb content while maintaining texture and flavor.”

Dr. Lisa Nguyen (Clinical Dietitian and Metabolic Health Expert) states, “For individuals monitoring their carbohydrate intake, understanding that crab meat itself is virtually carb-free is crucial. The carbohydrates in crab cakes come from binders and fillers, so choosing recipes with minimal breading or using alternative low-carb ingredients can make crab cakes a suitable option for low-carb or ketogenic diets.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many carbs are in a typical crab cake?
A typical crab cake contains approximately 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

Do homemade crab cakes have fewer carbs than store-bought ones?
Homemade crab cakes often have fewer carbs because you can control the amount and type of fillers, such as breadcrumbs, used in the recipe.

Are there low-carb crab cake options available?
Yes, low-carb crab cakes can be made by substituting traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content.

How do the carbs in crab cakes compare to other seafood dishes?
Crab cakes generally have more carbs than plain seafood like grilled fish or shrimp due to added fillers but fewer carbs than breaded or battered seafood dishes.

Does the sauce served with crab cakes affect the total carbohydrate count?
Yes, sauces like tartar sauce or remoulade can add extra carbohydrates, especially if they contain sugar or other sweeteners.

Can crab cakes be included in a ketogenic diet?
Crab cakes can be included in a ketogenic diet if prepared with low-carb ingredients and consumed in moderation to maintain daily carb limits.
Crab cakes are a popular seafood dish that typically contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily derived from the breading or filler ingredients used in their preparation. On average, a standard crab cake contains between 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving, though this can vary depending on the recipe and portion size. Understanding the carbohydrate content is essential for individuals monitoring their carb intake, such as those following ketogenic or diabetic-friendly diets.

It is important to note that the carbohydrate content in crab cakes can be significantly influenced by the type and amount of fillers like breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, or other binders. Opting for recipes that use low-carb alternatives or minimal fillers can reduce the overall carbohydrate content, making crab cakes a more suitable option for low-carb dietary plans. Additionally, homemade crab cakes allow for greater control over ingredients, enabling customization to meet specific nutritional goals.

In summary, while crab cakes do contain some carbohydrates, their content is generally moderate and manageable within a balanced diet. Being mindful of the ingredients and preparation methods can help consumers enjoy crab cakes without compromising their nutritional objectives. For those requiring precise carbohydrate tracking, reviewing nutritional labels or calculating carbs based on recipe components is recommended to ensure accurate intake monitoring.

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Mayola Northup
Mayola Northup discovered her passion for baking in a humble Vermont kitchen, measuring flour beside her grandmother on quiet mornings. Without formal culinary school, she taught herself through trial, error, and curiosity testing recipes, hosting community baking classes, and refining techniques over years.

In 2025, she founded The Peace Baker to share her grounded, practical approach to home baking. Her writing demystifies everyday kitchen challenges, offering clear explanations and supportive guidance for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Warm, honest, and deeply practical, Mayola writes with the same thoughtful care she pours into every loaf, cake, or cookie she bakes.