If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, then this Maryland Crab Cakes recipe is a must-try! These crab cakes are packed with flavor and are sure to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- These crab cakes are bursting with great flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
- With a quick prep time, you can have these crab cakes on the table in no time.
- These crab cakes are perfect for meal prep, making them a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredient Notes:
- Jumbo lump crab meat, picked over, shells removed: Provides a sweet and delicate flavor to the crab cakes.
- Plain panko crumbs or crushed saltine crackers: Adds a crunchy texture to the crab cakes.
- Mayonnaise: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the crab cakes.
- Yellow mustard: Adds a tangy flavor to the crab cakes.
- Lemon juice: Provides a bright and fresh taste to the crab cakes.
- Old Bay seasoning (or J.O. seasoning): Adds a classic Maryland flavor to the crab cakes.
- Fresh parsley or dried parsley: Adds a hint of freshness to the crab cakes.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the crab cakes.
- Butter: Adds moisture and flavor to the crab cakes.
- Tartar sauce, for serving: A classic accompaniment to crab cakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with butter to prevent sticking and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, egg, yellow mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat and panko crumbs using a spatula, being careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat.
- Pack the mixture firmly into crab cakes using a measuring cup and transfer to the buttered baking sheet.
- Place a small piece of butter on top of each crab cake for added moisture and flavor.
- Refrigerate the crab cakes for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set.
- Bake the crab cakes in a preheated oven until cooked through, then broil for a crispy exterior.
Helpful Tips:
- Be gentle when folding in the crab meat to avoid breaking it up too much.
- Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor.
- Serve the crab cakes with a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of freshness.
- Substitute panko crumbs with crushed saltine crackers for a different texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of jumbo lump and backfin crab meat for a variety of textures.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
- Serve the crab cakes with a side of coleslaw and a cold beer for a classic Maryland meal.
Serving Suggestions:
These Maryland Crab Cakes are best served with a side of coleslaw, corn on the cob, and a cold beer. They also pair well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover crab cakes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crab cakes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh crab meat?
- While fresh crab meat is preferred for the best flavor, canned crab meat can be used as a substitute.
- Can I freeze these crab cakes?
- Yes, you can freeze the crab cakes before baking. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.
- Can I make these crab cakes ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the crab cakes up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Conclusion:
These Maryland Crab Cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their great flavors and quick prep time, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!
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Easy Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy Maryland crab cakes are a delicious seafood dish made with jumbo lump crab meat, mayonnaise, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat, picked over, shells removed
- 1/2 cup plain panko crumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- 6 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or J.O. seasoning)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter, cut into 8 pieces (plus additional for greasing pan)
For Serving:
- Tartar sauce
Instructions
- Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with butter. Set aside.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, egg, mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Fold in crab meat and panko crumbs gently.
- Pack mixture into cakes, place on baking sheet, and top with butter.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Bake at 450°F for 8-10 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure to handle the crab meat gently to retain its texture.
- Refrigerating the crab cakes helps them hold their shape better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crab cake
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg