Ingredients

1 pound lump crabmeat, picked free of shells
1 cup minced red bell pepper, plus a few thin strips, for garnish
1/2 cup minced green onion
1/4 cup minced water chestnuts
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon wasabi powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup crushed saltine crackers or soda crackers
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Mayonnaise Sauce, recipe follows

Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon paprika
Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, bell pepper, green onions, and water chestnuts. Add the egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, wasabi powder, salt, and pepper, and stir gently to combine. Gently stir in the crushed crackers. Form the mixture into 12 equal patties.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 6 crab cakes, and cook until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat the process with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and remaining 6 crab cakes. Arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with red bell pepper strips to make spider legs, if desired. Serve immediately with the Mayonnaise Sauce.

Sauce:

Combine all of the ingredients in a small serving bowl.