Best 4 Classic Crab Cakes Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Are you in search of a delectable culinary creation that captures the essence of coastal charm and tantalizes your taste buds? Look no further than the classic crab cake, a timeless dish celebrated for its succulent crab meat, crispy golden exterior, and burst of flavors. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect crab cakes, ensuring you become a master of this culinary art. We will delve into the intricacies of selecting the finest ingredients, creating a harmonious balance of flavors, and perfecting the cooking technique to achieve an unforgettable dining experience. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of seafood indulgence, as we unveil the secrets to creating classic crab cakes that will leave your loved ones craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC CRAB CAKES



Classic Crab Cakes image

Our region is known for good seafood, and crab cakes are a traditional favorite. I learned to make them from a chef in a restaurant where they were a bestseller. The crabmeat's sweet and mild flavor is sparked by the blend of other ingredients. -Debbie Terenzini, Lusby, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound fresh or canned crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
2 to 2-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup each chopped celery, green pepper and onion
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, optional
Lemon wedges, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the crab, bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, vegetables and seasonings. Shape into 8 patties. Broil or cook patties in a cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet in oil for 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. If desired, serve with lemon. Freeze option: Freeze cooled crab cakes in freezer containers, separating layers with waxed paper. To use, reheat crab cakes on a baking sheet in a preheated 325° oven until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 282 calories, Fat 22g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 638mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

CHESAPEAKE BAY CLASSIC CRAB CAKES



Chesapeake Bay Classic Crab Cakes image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (recommended: Old Bay Seasoning)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/2 cup peanut or canola oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced scallions, both white and green parts
1 pound lump blue crabmeat, drained and picked clean of shell
4 cups fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves
About 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Red Cocktail Sauce or Green Cocktail Sauce, recipes follow
4 lemon wedges
1 cup ketchup or chili sauce (recommended: Heinz)
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
2 dashes hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.

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



Chesapeake Bay Classic Crab Cakes image

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

1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/2 cup peanut oil or 1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced scallion, both white and green parts
1 lb lump blue crabmeat, drained and picked clean of shell
4 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, about
4 lemon wedges

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.

CLASSIC CRAB CAKES WITH CHILE GARLIC MAYONNAISE



Classic Crab Cakes with Chile Garlic Mayonnaise image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Time 1h32m

Yield serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large bottle mayonnaise
1 bottle chili-garlic sauce
1 can/bottle lemon juice
3 red bell peppers
1 bottle olive oil
3 red onions
3 bunches of celery
3 pounds crabmeat, coarsely chopped
6 large eggs
2 large containers breadcrumbs
1 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • Chile Garlic Mayonnaise Mix mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, and 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice in small bowl. Cover and refrigerate chili mayonnaise.
  • Classic Crab Cakes Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, celery, onion, and jalapeno; saute 3 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in crab, egg, 1/2 cup chili mayonnaise, and remaining 2 teaspoons lemon juice, then 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs. Form crab mixture into eight 1/2-inch-thick cakes, using 1/2 cup for each. Dredge cakes in remaining 3 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, turning to coat. Place on baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add crab cakes and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to plates. Serve, passing remaining chili mayonnaise separately.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Crab Meat: Opt for fresh or frozen lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using canned or imitation crab meat.
  • Handle the Crab Meat Gently: Be delicate when working with the crab meat to prevent breaking it up too much. Use a light touch when mixing and forming the crab cakes.
  • Use Fresh Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs and spices add a burst of flavor to the crab cakes. Incorporate ingredients like parsley, chives, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon zest for a classic Maryland-style crab cake.
  • Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in dense and tough crab cakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
  • Shape the Crab Cakes Gently: Use a gentle touch when shaping the crab cakes to prevent breaking them apart. Form them into 1 1/2 to 2-inch patties, being careful not to pack them too tightly.
  • Chill the Crab Cakes Before Cooking: Chilling the crab cakes for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better during frying.
  • Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking crab cakes as it prevents them from sticking and breaking apart. Ensure the skillet is adequately heated before adding the crab cakes.
  • Cook the Crab Cakes Over Medium Heat: Cooking the crab cakes over medium heat allows them to cook evenly without burning the outsides while keeping the insides moist and flavorful.
  • Flip the Crab Cakes Carefully: Use a spatula to carefully flip the crab cakes once, after about 3-4 minutes per side, to ensure even cooking and prevent breaking them apart.
  • Serve the Crab Cakes Immediately: Crab cakes are best served hot and fresh out of the pan. Accompany them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, remoulade, or cocktail sauce.

Conclusion:

With careful attention to detail and a few simple tips, you can create delicious and flavorful crab cakes that are sure to impress. Whether you prefer the classic Maryland-style crab cakes or enjoy experimenting with different variations, the recipes provided in this article offer a range of options to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the delectable taste of crab cakes!

Related Topics