The Chesapeake Bay, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is renowned for its abundance of succulent blue crabs, which have been a culinary staple in the region for centuries. Chesapeake Bay crab cakes are a beloved dish known for their delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender crab meat, savory seasonings, and a crispy golden crust. In this article, we will explore the art of crafting the perfect Chesapeake Bay crab cake, providing insights into the key ingredients, cooking techniques, and variations that make this dish a true culinary treasure. From selecting the freshest crab meat to mastering the art of pan-frying or baking, we will guide you through the process of creating this classic dish that captures the essence of Chesapeake Bay's rich seafood heritage.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CHESAPEAKE BAY CLASSIC CRAB CAKES
Steps:
- Put the egg yolk, seafood seasoning, mustard, lemon zest and juice, and vinegar in the bowl of a food processor or a blender and process until smooth. Gradually pour in the oil with the machine running until the mixture emulsifies and forms a mayonnaise. Season with the salt and pepper. (Note: this quantity of mayonnaise will not emulsify in the bowl of the largest size food processor. Use a medium size food processor, a mini processor, or a blender.)
- Transfer the mayonnaise to a bowl and, using a rubber spatula, fold in the scallions and the crabmeat until well combined. Combine the bread crumbs and the parsley in a shallow container. Form the crab mixture into 8 patties about 3-inches wide and 3/4-inch thick and drop them into the bread crumb-parsley mixture. Dredge the crab cakes on both sides. If you have time, leave the crab cakes in the container of bread crumbs, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour or more.
- When you are ready to fry the crab cakes, put 2 large nonstick skillets over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons butter to each pan. When the butter is melted, add 4 crab cakes to each pan, patting off excess crumbs first. Slowly fry the crab cakes over medium heat until they are golden brown on both sides and hot through, turning once with a spatula, about 4 minutes per side. If the crab cakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. The internal temperature of a cooked crab cake should be 155 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Transfer the crab cakes to plates, 2 per person, and serve with your choice of sauce and lemon wedges.
- 8 ounces tomatillos, husked and cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons green hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, toasted
- 1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh horseradish
- Put the tomatillos in the bowl of a food processor and process until coarsely pureed. Remove the tomatillo puree to a sieve, drain off the liquid and discard. Put the drained puree in a bowl and stir in the vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, garlic, mustard seeds, and horseradish.
CHESAPEAKE BAY CLASSIC CRAB CAKES
Make and share this Chesapeake Bay Classic Crab Cakes recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Crab
Time 38m
Yield 8 large crab cakes
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Add the yolk, Old Bay, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vinegar to the bowl of a food processor or blender; process until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the oil with the machine running until the mixture emulsifies and forms a mayonnaise.
- Season with the salt and pepper (this quantity of mayonnaise will not emulsify in the bowl of the largest food processor; use a medium food processor, a mini processor, or a blender).
- Transfer the mayonnaise to a bowl and, using a rubber spatula, fold in the scallions and the crabmeat until well combined.
- Combine the bread crumbs and the parsley in a shallow container.
- Form the crab mixture into 8 patties about 3 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick and drop them into the bread crumb mixture.
- Dredge the crab cakes on both sides; if you have time, leave the crab cakes in the container of bread crumbs, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for an hour or so.
- When you are ready to fry the crab cakes, put 2 large nonstick skillets over medium heat.
- Add about 2 tablespoons butter to each pan; when the butter is melted, add 4 crab cakes to each pan, patting off excess crumbs first.
- Slowly fry the cakes until they are golden brown on both sides and hot through, turning once with a spatula, about 4 minutes per side.
- If the crab cakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
- The internal temperature of a cooked crab cake should be 155° on an instant-read thermometer.
- Transfer the crab cakes to plates, 2 per person, and serve with your choice of sauce and lemon wedges.
Tips:
- Use fresh crab meat. This will give your crab cakes the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overmix the crab cakes. Overmixing will make them tough.
- Gently fold the ingredients together. This will help to keep the crab cakes light and airy.
- Use a light hand when shaping the crab cakes. Don't pack them too tightly, or they will be dense and heavy.
- Pan-fry the crab cakes over medium heat. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the pan and will cook them evenly.
- Serve the crab cakes immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Crab cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or appetizer. With a few simple tips, you can make crab cakes that are sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a seafood dish to make, give crab cakes a try!
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