Why Make This Recipe
Maryland Style Crab Cakes are a true delight for seafood lovers. They represent a classic dish that highlights the fresh flavors of crab meat while keeping the preparation simple. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to enjoy a tasty meal at home, these crab cakes bring a taste of the Chesapeake Bay directly to your table. The blend of ingredients creates a wonderful balance of flavors, making every bite a special experience. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your preferences!
How to Make Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh crab meat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions:
Prepare the Mixture: Start by gathering a large bowl. In the bowl, add the fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and the beaten egg. Gently fold these ingredients together. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much; the chunks give the crab cakes their texture and flavor.
Add Flavor: Next, it’s time to add in more flavor. Incorporate Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and the chopped green onion into the bowl. Don’t forget to season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Use a soft hand to mix everything together so that the flavors blend but the crab meat stays intact.
Shape the Patties: After everything is well combined, take small portions of the crab mixture. Shape them into patties that are roughly 1/2 inch thick. This thickness is ideal as it helps them cook evenly and stay juicy on the inside while getting crispy on the outside.
Heat the Skillet: Now it’s time to heat up your skillet. Pour enough oil into a large skillet to coat the bottom and heat it over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the crab cakes; this is key to achieving a beautiful golden crust.
Cook the Crab Cakes: Carefully place the crab cakes into the hot skillet. Cook each cake for about 4-5 minutes on one side or until they turn golden brown. Once they have a nice crust, gently flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.
Drain and Serve: When the crab cakes are browned to your liking, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels. This will help soak up any excess oil. Serve them hot with a wedge of lemon or a side of tartar sauce if you like!
How to Serve Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Maryland Style Crab Cakes are quite versatile in how you can serve them. Here are some great ideas:
- As an Appetizer: Serve the crab cakes on a platter as a delightful starter. Add some lemon wedges and a dipping sauce like tartar or aioli for guests to enjoy.
- As a Main Course: Serve a couple of crab cakes on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. This makes for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
- In a Sandwich: Place a crab cake in a toasted bun and top it with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of sauce for a delicious crab cake sandwich.
- With Sides: Pair with coleslaw and corn on the cob or steamed vegetables for a perfect family meal.
How to Store Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Storing Maryland Style Crab Cakes properly can help ensure they maintain their flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked crab cakes, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They can last for about 2-3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. After they are frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer bag or an airtight container. When ready to cook, there’s no need to thaw—just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Tips to Make Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Use Fresh Crab Meat: Fresh crab meat makes a big difference in flavor. If you can, visit your local fish market to find the freshest catch.
Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, a gentle hand is key. Overmixing can make the crab cakes tough, so fold the mixture gently.
Chill Before Cooking: If possible, chill the shaped crab cakes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
Test Oil Temperature: To check oil temperature, drop a small bit of the mixture into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A little spice can add an exciting kick to your crab cakes.
Variation
Maryland Style Crab Cakes can easily be customized. Here are a few variations:
- Spicy Crab Cakes: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your crab cakes a spicy twist.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Incorporate diced bell peppers, celery, or corn for added texture and flavor.
- Cheesy Crab Cakes: Mix in some shredded cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack for a cheesy richness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to make them gluten-free.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to drain it well and check for shells.
2. How can I tell when the crab cakes are cooked through?
Crab cakes are usually done when they are golden brown on both sides. You can also use a food thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. What dipping sauces pair well with crab cakes?
Popular dipping sauces include tartar sauce, lemon aioli, and spicy remoulade. You can also serve them with a simple squeeze of lemon.
By following these simple steps, tips, and ideas, you’ll have delicious Maryland Style Crab Cakes that are sure to impress your family and friends! Enjoy the flavors of the sea right in your kitchen!
Print
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Delicious Maryland Style Crab Cakes showcasing the fresh flavors of crab meat, perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh crab meat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and beaten egg. Gently fold the ingredients together.
- Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped green onion. Season with salt and pepper and mix gently.
- Shape the crab mixture into patties that are roughly 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring it is hot before adding the crab cakes.
- Cook each crab cake for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.
Notes
For best texture, avoid overmixing the crab mixture. Chill shaped cakes for 30 minutes before frying to help retain shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crab cake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg