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
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
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
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.
CLASSIC CRAB CAKES WITH CHILE GARLIC MAYONNAISE
Provided by Kelsey Nixon
Time 1h32m
Yield serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
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!
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