Crab cakes are a delightful treat that bring a touch of coastal flavor to your table. This easy recipe combines simple ingredients to create golden, crispy patties that are perfect for appetizers or a light meal. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to try something new, these crab cakes are sure to impress.
Photos of Easy Crab Cakes Recipe
If you're heading to the supermarket, be aware that lump crabmeat and crabmeat might not be common items in your pantry. These can usually be found in the seafood section, either fresh or canned. Also, make sure to pick up some dry bread crumbs, hot sauce, and ground dry mustard if they aren't already in your kitchen.
Ingredients For Easy Crab Cakes Recipe
butter: Adds richness and helps in achieving a golden crust while cooking the crab cakes.
lump crabmeat: Provides a nice texture and flavor, often found in the seafood section of your grocery store.
crabmeat: Additional crabmeat to ensure the cakes are packed with seafood goodness.
dry bread crumbs: Helps bind the mixture and gives a slight crunch.
parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the crab cakes.
kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors within the crab cakes.
ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the flavor.
egg: Acts as a binder to keep all the ingredients together.
mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture to the mixture.
hot sauce: Provides a little kick and enhances the overall flavor profile.
ground dry mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy note that complements the crab.
One reader, Dee Dee Seal says:
These crab cakes were a hit! Simple to make and packed with flavor. The blend of spices and the crispy exterior made them irresistible. Perfect for a quick dinner or an appetizer. Will definitely make again!
Key Techniques for Making Perfect Crab Cakes
How to beat together ingredients: Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly combine the egg, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and mustard until smooth. How to form patties: Use your hands to shape the crab mixture into evenly sized patties, pressing gently to ensure they hold together. How to cook in a skillet: Heat the skillet over medium heat, add butter, and cook the patties until golden brown on each side, flipping gently with a spatula.
How To Make Easy Crab Cakes
These easy crab cakes are made with seasoned lump crab meat with parsley, hot sauce, mustard, and mayo. Enjoy it in 20 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4tbspbutter
- 8ozlump crabmeat
- 6ozcrabmeat
- 1tbspdry bread crumbs
- 2tspparsley,fresh chopped
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspground black pepper,coarse
- 1large egg
- 1tbspmayonnaise
- ½tsphot sauce
- ½tspground dry mustard
Instructions
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Mix together crabmeat, bread crumbs, parsley, salt and pepper.
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Beat together egg, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and mustard. Combine with other ingredients and mix well.
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Form into patties and place on a baking sheet.
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Add half the butter to the large skillet and add the crab cakes to the skillet on medium heat, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes.
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Flip the crab cakes with a flat spatula gently, add the remaining butter, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 235.61kcal
- Fat: 16.41g
- Saturated Fat: 8.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.48g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.66g
- Carbohydrates: 1.53g
- Fiber: 0.17g
- Sugar: 0.19g
- Protein: 19.76g
- Cholesterol: 174.68mg
- Sodium: 627.06mg
- Calcium: 106.00mg
- Potassium: 289.02mg
- Iron: 0.88mg
- Vitamin A: 120.84µg
- Vitamin C: 4.56mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Crafting Crab Cakes
When forming the crab cakes, make sure to handle the mixture gently to avoid breaking up the delicate lump crabmeat. Chilling the patties in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking can help them hold their shape better in the skillet.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Crab Cakes
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix crabmeat, bread crumbs, and seasonings ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use pre-made condiments: Opt for store-bought mayonnaise and hot sauce to save time on mixing.
Form patties ahead: Shape the crab cakes and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking.
Cook in batches: If you have a large skillet, cook multiple crab cakes at once to reduce overall cooking time.
Melt butter quickly: Use a microwave to melt the butter before adding it to the skillet.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Crab Cakes Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and helps in binding the crab cakes while adding a slightly different flavor profile.
lump crabmeat - Substitute with imitation crabmeat: Imitation crabmeat is more affordable and widely available, though it has a different texture and flavor.
crabmeat - Substitute with cooked shrimp: Cooked shrimp can mimic the texture of crabmeat and offers a similar seafood flavor.
dry bread crumbs - Substitute with panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs are lighter and crispier, providing a similar binding effect with a different texture.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that can complement the seafood taste.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of saltiness and can be used in the same quantity.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to avoid black specks in the crab cakes.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water can act as a binder similar to an egg.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added tanginess and less fat.
hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha offers a similar level of heat with a slightly different flavor profile.
ground dry mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a similar tangy flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
Presentation Ideas for Serving Crab Cakes
Use fresh herbs for garnish: Finely chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the crab cakes just before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Create a sauce drizzle: Prepare a simple lemon aioli by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. Drizzle this sauce artistically around the crab cakes on the plate.
Add a citrus element: Place a thin slice of lemon or a wedge on the side of the plate. This not only adds a pop of color but also allows diners to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their crab cakes.
Serve with a side salad: Pair the crab cakes with a small, vibrant side salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich crab cakes.
Use a stylish plate: Opt for a sleek, white plate to make the colors of the crab cakes and garnishes stand out. The simplicity of the plate will highlight the elegance of the dish.
Add a touch of spice: Lightly dust the plate with a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper around the crab cakes for a subtle hint of spice and a visually appealing touch.
Incorporate microgreens: Top each crab cake with a small bunch of microgreens. These not only add a sophisticated look but also provide a slight crunch and freshness.
Use a ring mold: Form the crab cakes using a ring mold to ensure they are perfectly round and uniform in size. This adds a professional touch to the presentation.
Add a textural element: Sprinkle some toasted panko bread crumbs over the top of the crab cakes for an extra layer of crunch and texture.
Serve with a complementary dip: Alongside the crab cakes, offer a small ramekin of a complementary dip, such as a tangy remoulade or a spicy sriracha mayo, to enhance the flavor experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crab Cakes
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the crabmeat, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Whisk: This is essential for beating together the egg, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and mustard.
Baking sheet: Place the formed crab cake patties on this for easy transfer to the skillet.
Large skillet: Cook the crab cakes in this on medium heat to achieve a golden brown crust.
Flat spatula: Use this to gently flip the crab cakes without breaking them apart.
Measuring spoons: These are necessary for accurately measuring the dry bread crumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and mustard.
Measuring cups: Use these to measure the butter and crabmeat accurately.
Knife: This will be useful for finely chopping the parsley if it's not pre-chopped.
Cutting board: Use this as a safe surface for chopping the parsley.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Crab Cakes
Let the crab cakes cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or falling apart.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled crab cakes in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the crab cakes fresh and crispy. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the crab cakes. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the crab cakes are frozen solid.
Once frozen, transfer the crab cakes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Frozen crab cakes will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen crab cakes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen crab cakes on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. Alternatively, you can thaw the crab cakes in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in a skillet with a little butter or oil over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
Avoid microwaving crab cakes, as this can make them soggy and cause them to fall apart. Oven or stovetop reheating is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Crab Cakes
To reheat leftover crab cakes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush a thin layer of melted butter or olive oil over the top of each crab cake to help them retain moisture and prevent drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the edges are crispy.
Another option is to reheat the crab cakes in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted or the oil is hot, add the crab cakes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have a crispy exterior.
For a quick and easy method, 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, depending on the number of crab cakes and your microwave's wattage. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the crab cakes to become rubbery.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated crab cakes, consider serving them with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, a dollop of tartar sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, it's essential to store leftover crab cakes properly. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat, follow one of the methods mentioned above for the best results.
Interesting Fact About Crab Cakes
A random fact about this crab cakes recipe is that crabmeat is a great source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Is Making Crab Cakes at Home Cost-Effective?
This crab cakes recipe is moderately cost-effective. The primary expense is the lump crabmeat, which can be pricey. However, the other ingredients like bread crumbs, parsley, and mayonnaise are relatively inexpensive. For a household of four, the approximate cost would be around $25-$30, depending on the quality of the crabmeat. Overall verdict: 7/10.
Are Crab Cakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The easy crab cakes recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe uses a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Processed ingredients: The recipe includes mayonnaise and hot sauce, which are often processed and may contain added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy oils.
- Low in fiber: The recipe does not include any significant sources of fiber, which is important for digestive health and maintaining a feeling of fullness.
- High in sodium: The recipe includes added salt and may also contain sodium from the crabmeat and other ingredients, which can contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the butter with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, which are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
- Use a low-fat or Greek yogurt-based mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise to reduce the amount of unhealthy fats and additives.
- Increase the amount of bread crumbs or add some whole wheat panko crumbs to boost the fiber content of the crab cakes.
- Reduce the amount of added salt and rely on other herbs and spices, such as Old Bay seasoning, to enhance the flavor without increasing the sodium content.
- Add some finely chopped vegetables, such as red bell peppers or scallions, to the crab cake mixture to increase the nutrient density and fiber content of the dish.
- Serve the crab cakes with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Crab Cake Recipe
This crab cake recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it ideal for home cooks. The combination of lump and regular crabmeat ensures a good texture, while the blend of mayonnaise, hot sauce, and dry mustard adds a subtle kick. Cooking in butter enhances the flavor, giving the crab cakes a rich, golden crust. However, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some finely chopped scallions for an extra layer of freshness. Overall, it's a solid recipe that balances simplicity with taste.
Enhance Your Easy Crab Cakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Seafood Cake Recipes to Try
Recommended Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Crab Cakes
Why trust this Easy Crab Cakes Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try because it uses fresh lump crabmeat and crabmeat for an authentic taste. The blend of dry bread crumbs, parsley, and kosher salt ensures perfect seasoning. The addition of mayonnaise and a hint of hot sauce provides a creamy texture with a slight kick. Cooking in butter gives the crab cakes a rich, golden crust. This recipe is straightforward and guarantees delicious results every time.
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