Ah, Maryland crab cakes—just the thought makes my mouth water! It’s like a taste of summer by the shore, a little salty breeze mixed with the rich, succulent flavors of fresh crab. I remember a trip to Baltimore last year, where the aroma of crab cakes sizzling on the grill was simply irresistible. These are easy to make, but they pack a punch of nostalgia and flavor that takes me right back to the bay.
Steps
- Mix together all ingredients, excluding the olive oil, in a bowl until combined.
- Shape the mixture into patties, adjusting the size to your preference, resulting in approximately 12 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the patties in batches, about 6 at a time, cooking each side for 5 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
- Serve the crab cakes with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or lemon garlic aioli.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of crab meat (from 4 small cans, well-drained)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- ½ teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon of pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for frying, more if needed)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 930kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 20g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Trans Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 290mg | Sodium: 4050mg | Potassium: 870mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1180IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 270mg | Iron: 10mg
FAQ
- What are crab cakes made of?
- Crab cakes are a type of fishcake primarily made from crab meat, combined with ingredients such as breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, and seasonings. They can be cooked using various methods including baking, grilling, frying, air frying, or broiling.
- Can you cook crab cakes in an air fryer?
- Yes, crab cakes are great for air frying. To prepare, lightly coat your air fryer basket with cooking spray, and air fry the crab cakes at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
- How can I bake crab cakes in the oven?
- To bake crab cakes, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray, and bake for approximately 15 minutes until they achieve a golden brown color.
- Is it possible to freeze crab cakes?
- Absolutely. To freeze crab cakes, arrange the uncooked cakes on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, which takes about 2 hours. Wrap each cake in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- What is the best way to store leftover crab cakes?
- Leftover crab cakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can remain fresh for up to 2 days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven at 300°F for around 10 minutes until warmed through.
Tips
- Chill Before Shaping: For better consistency, refrigerate the crab mixture for around 30 minutes before forming patties. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to shape the cakes without them falling apart.
- Non-Stick Pan Advantage: Opt for a non-stick pan when frying the crab cakes. This prevents them from sticking and makes flipping them much simpler.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Try different cooking methods like air frying or baking for a healthier option. For air frying, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, and for baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 15 minutes.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan – To fry the crab cakes without them sticking.
- Air fryer – An alternative cooking method for those who prefer not to fry.
- Baking sheet – If you opt to bake the crab cakes.
- Mixing bowl – A large bowl to combine all the ingredients.
- Spatula – To flip the crab cakes gently without breaking them.
- Measuring spoons and cups – For accurately measuring ingredients like mayonnaise, lemon juice, and spices.
