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Quinoa 102: Vegan Crab Cakes aka Black Bean & Black Quinoa Croquettes

Quinoa 102: Vegan Crab Cakes aka Black Bean & Black Quinoa Croquettes

If you’ve been following along with my quinoa series, you already know I’m on a mission to prove that this little grain can do just about anything. Today it’s standing in for crab — and doing a damn fine job of it.

These black bean and black quinoa croquettes have that crispy exterior, tender interior, and savory depth that makes a good crab cake worth eating. The black quinoa adds a slightly nutty bite and a gorgeous color that makes these look as impressive as they taste. Serve them with a spicy remoulade, a squeeze of lemon, or just straight off the pan.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked black quinoa
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and mashed
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, plus more for coating
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for pan frying
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed black beans, cooked black quinoa, red bell pepper, green onions, parsley, Old Bay, Dijon, soy sauce, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until everything holds together.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
  3. Form into small patties about 2 inches wide. Press each one into a shallow dish of breadcrumbs to coat both sides.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook croquettes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
  6. These hold up surprisingly well — firm enough to flip without falling apart, which is more than I can say for some restaurant crab cakes. The Old Bay is non-negotiable. It’s what ties the whole ocean-y illusion together.
  7. This is part of an ongoing quinoa series — if you missed the others, check out Quinoa 104 and keep an eye out for the next one coming soon.

Craving more? Try Peruvian Street Food: Picarones — Squash and Sweet Potato Fritters next.