Get ready for a journey into a world of flavors with this simple crab cakes recipe. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, with the richness of jumbo lump crabmeat, the crunch of bread crumbs, and the zest of lemon juice and old bay seasoning. It's not just about the taste, though; this recipe is also about savoring the process of creating something truly wonderful from scratch.
While most ingredients in this recipe are commonly found, there are a few you may need to specifically look for. Jumbo lump crabmeat is a crucial ingredient that provides the robust flavor and texture to the crab cakes. It can usually be found in the seafood section of any supermarket or at a seafood market. Another ingredient to be aware of is Old Bay seasoning, a blend of herbs and spices popular in seafood recipes. You can find it in the spice aisle.
Key Ingredients for Simple Crab Cakes Recipe
Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the crab cakes together.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor to balance the rich crabmeat.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a savory, umami twist to the dish.
Mayonnaise: Provides moisture and creaminess.
Dry mustard: Adds a mild heat to the crab cakes.
Celery seed: Gives a slight crunch and earthy flavor.
Old Bay seasoning: Brings a unique blend of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of crabmeat.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth.
Crabmeat: The star of the dish, offering a rich, seafood flavor.
Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note.
Bread crumbs: Gives the cakes a crispy, golden crust.
One reader, Ethelred Hodge says:
These simple crab cakes are a game-changer! The recipe was easy to follow, and the end result was absolutely delicious. The combination of flavors was perfect, and the crab cakes had a nice crispy exterior. I'll definitely be making these again for my next dinner party!
Key Techniques for Making Delicious Crab Cakes
How to prepare the crab mixture: Gently mix the crabmeat with the wet and dry ingredients, taking care not to break too many of the jumbo lumps.
How to form the crab cakes: Shape the crab mixture into 3-inch cakes and coat them with the remaining bread crumbs.
How to chill the crab cakes: Place the formed crab cakes in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before baking.
How To Make Simple Crab Cakes
These crispy baked crab cakes are made flavorful with Worcestershire sauce, old bay seasoning, and celery seed for a tasty seafood dish anyone will love.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1wholeegg
- 2tsplemon juice
- ¼tspworcestershire sauce
- ⅓cupHellman’s mayonnaise
- ½tspdry mustard
- ¼tspcelery seed
- 2tspold bay seasoning
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼tsppepper
- 1lbfresh jumbo lump crabmeat
- 1tbspflat leaf parsley,chopped
- 2tbspbread crumbs
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Whisk the egg in a bowl until blended. Stir in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise.
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In a separate bowl, mix the dry mustard, celery seed, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones.
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Remove any shell fragments from the crabmeat, then add the parsley and bread crumbs. Gently mix using fingers, taking care not to break too many of the jumbo lumps.
-
Gently fold the crab mixture into the wet mixture until blended. Form into 3-inch cakes and coat with remaining bread crumbs. Chill for 1 hour.
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Place the cakes on a large greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned on the outside, turning once with a metal spatula.
-
Serve with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or simply a lemon.
Nutrition
- Calories: 261.73kcal
- Fat: 17.06g
- Saturated Fat: 2.86g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.38g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.51g
- Carbohydrates: 3.54g
- Fiber: 0.37g
- Sugar: 0.39g
- Protein: 22.29g
- Cholesterol: 157.49mg
- Sodium: 794.01mg
- Calcium: 128.38mg
- Potassium: 337.03mg
- Iron: 1.36mg
- Vitamin A: 23.40µg
- Vitamin C: 6.16mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Crab Cake Technique
When forming your crab cakes, it's crucial to handle the mixture gently to maintain the integrity of the jumbo lump crabmeat. Overmixing can break up the lumps and result in a less desirable texture. Also, chilling the cakes before baking helps them to hold their shape better in the oven. Lastly, turning the cakes once during baking ensures they brown evenly, giving them a delicious, crispy exterior.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Crab Cakes
Prep ahead: Prepare the wet and dry mixtures the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time when you're ready to make the crab cakes.
Use canned crab meat: If you're short on time, using canned crab meat can be a quick and convenient alternative to fresh crabmeat.
Bake instead of frying: Baking the crab cakes instead of frying them can save time and effort, while still achieving a delicious result.
Organize your ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go. This will help streamline the cooking process and save time.
Invest in a crab cracker: Investing in a good quality crab cracker can save time and effort when it comes to extracting the crab meat from the shells.
Use a food processor: Consider using a food processor to quickly and evenly mix the ingredients for the crab cakes, saving time and ensuring a consistent texture.
Prep multiple batches: If you have the ingredients, consider making a larger batch of crab cakes and freezing the extras for future quick and easy meals.
Opt for pre-made sauces: To save time, consider using pre-made cocktail or tartar sauce instead of making them from scratch.
Substitute Ingredients For Simple Crab Cakes Recipe
whole egg - Substitute with flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes): Flax egg can be used as a binding agent in place of whole eggs for those following a vegan diet or with egg allergies.
hellman’s mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, with the added benefit of being lower in fat and higher in protein.
old bay seasoning - Substitute with homemade seafood seasoning (paprika, celery salt, black pepper, cayenne, dry mustard, nutmeg): Creating a homemade seafood seasoning allows for customization of flavors and can be adjusted to personal preferences.
bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy texture, and they absorb less oil than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter dish.
How to Plate and Present Crab Cakes
Elevate the plating: When presenting the crab cakes, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use clean lines and minimalistic design to showcase the beauty of the dish.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of fresh flat leaf parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the crab cakes to stand out. This will create a visually appealing presentation that draws attention to the star of the dish.
Consider the plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the crab cakes. Opt for a plate with a neutral tone to allow the vibrant hues of the dish to shine.
Add a touch of citrus: Introduce a subtle hint of acidity by incorporating a thinly sliced lemon as a decorative element on the plate. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a complementary flavor to the crab cakes.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the crab cakes in a symmetrical manner on the plate to create a sense of balance and harmony in the presentation.
Use edible flowers: Consider adding a delicate touch of edible flowers, such as microgreens or chive blossoms, to bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to the plating.
Highlight the golden brown crust: Ensure that the golden brown crust of the crab cakes is prominently displayed, creating an enticing visual appeal that hints at the delicious flavors within.
Incorporate a sauce swipe: Use a small swipe of the accompanying sauce, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, to add a touch of artistry to the plate while providing a flavor-enhancing element.
Add a final flourish: Before presenting the dish, perform a final inspection to ensure that each element on the plate is meticulously placed, creating a visually stunning presentation that reflects the culinary excellence of the crab cakes.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crab Cakes
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, typically made of metal loops or wires.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, stirring, and mixing various components of a dish.
- Cookie sheet: A flat, metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Metal spatula: A kitchen utensil with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting and flipping foods such as crab cakes.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for slicing, chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients quickly and efficiently.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Crab Cakes
- To store leftover crab cakes, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the crab cakes, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cakes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- To reheat frozen crab cakes, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen cakes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can thaw the cakes in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- If you have uncooked crab cake mixture, you can shape it into patties and freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To cook the frozen patties, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the cooking instructions in the recipe.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Crab Cakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the crab cakes without drying them out.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the crab cakes in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the crab cakes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this may cause the crab cakes to steam rather than crisp up.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the crab cakes in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture and less crispy exterior compared to oven or stovetop reheating.
For a unique twist, try slicing the leftover crab cakes in half and using them as the base for eggs benedict. Top each half with a poached egg, a spoonful of hollandaise sauce, and a sprinkle of paprika or old bay seasoning for a delicious brunch dish.
If you have a large number of leftover crab cakes, consider setting up a DIY crab cake sandwich station. Reheat the crab cakes using your preferred method, then serve them on soft rolls or brioche buns with an array of toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and your favorite condiments.
Interesting Trivia About Crab Cakes
The crab cakes recipe is a popular dish in the coastal regions of the United States, particularly in Maryland. Crab cakes are often served as an appetizer or as a main course and are a delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood. They are a great source of protein and are low in fat, making them a healthy choice for seafood lovers. Crab cakes are often served with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, adding a zesty flavor to the dish. Enjoying crab cakes is a delightful way to savor the flavors of the sea in a simple and satisfying meal.
Is Making Crab Cakes at Home Cost-Effective?
This crab cakes recipe can be cost-effective for a household, as it uses simple and readily available ingredients. The use of jumbo lump crabmeat may be the most expensive component, but the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it an affordable option for a special meal. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 9/10, as it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please the palate without breaking the bank.
Are Crab Cakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The simple crab cakes recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- Mayonnaise is high in fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.
- Bread crumbs are a source of refined carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little nutritional value.
- The recipe lacks significant amounts of vegetables, which are essential for providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as:
- Fresh jumbo lump crabmeat, which is a lean protein source and provides essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.
- Lemon juice and parsley, which offer antioxidants and vitamin C.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the mayonnaise with a healthier alternative, such as Greek yogurt or mashed avocado, to reduce the fat and calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Use whole wheat bread crumbs or almond flour instead of regular bread crumbs to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutrient-dense option.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the crab cake mixture, such as finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or carrots, to boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content.
- Experiment with baking or grilling the crab cakes instead of frying them to reduce the amount of added fat and calories.
- Serve the crab cakes with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Crab Cake Recipe
This simple crab cakes recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of jumbo lump crabmeat ensures a rich and succulent bite, while the blend of seasonings and mayonnaise creates a harmonious balance of tangy and savory notes. The addition of lemon juice and parsley adds a refreshing brightness to the dish. The baking method results in a crispy exterior with a moist and tender interior, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried crab cakes. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a light and elegant seafood dish.
Enhance Your Simple Crab Cakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Seafood Cake Recipes to Try
Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Crab Cakes
Why trust this Simple Crab Cakes Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delectable experience with fresh jumbo lump crabmeat as the star ingredient. The blend of old bay seasoning and celery seed adds a burst of flavor, while the use of hellman’s mayonnaise ensures a creamy and rich texture. The careful instructions for handling the crabmeat and the addition of flat leaf parsley showcase attention to detail. The baking method ensures a healthier alternative to frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist interior. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation for a delightful dining experience.
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