Maryland Crab Cakes
Great Maryland Crab Cakes
Great Maryland Crab Cakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- canola oil
- 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
- 1 pound lump crab meat*
- 21 /2tablespoons mayonnaise (i like hellman�s real)
- 11 /2teaspoons dijon mustard (i like maille brand)
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery (you�ll need one stalk)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup panko (i like the whole foods 365 brand for this recipe)
- Carbohydrate 84.4339121806387 g
- Cholesterol 211.5 mg
- Fat 81.1257717650402 g
- Fiber 5.92482657794215 g
- Protein 21.8024939141386 g
- Saturated Fat 8.12370972951727 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (730g)
- Sodium 973.704137775002 mg
- Sugar 78.5090856026965 g
- Trans Fat 2.85939680824212 g
- Calories 1149 calories
Step-by-step
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Combine the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, Old Bay, salt, celery, and parsley in a large bowl and mix well. Add the crab meat (be sure to check the meat for any hard and sharp cartilage) and panko; gently fold mixture together until just combined, being careful not to shred the crab meat. Shape into 6 crab cakes (about ½ cup each) and place on prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat a large nonstick pan to medium heat and coat with canola oil. When oil is hot, place crab cakes in pan and cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Be careful as oil may splatter. Serve immediately with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
Maryland Crab Cakes: A Taste of the Chesapeake Bay
The aroma of Old Bay seasoning, the sweet succulence of jumbo lump crab meat – there’s nothing quite like a Maryland crab cake. As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a truly delicious meal can be a challenge. But these crab cakes? They’re surprisingly simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself to a taste of the Chesapeake, this recipe is your shortcut to a gourmet experience.
I've perfected this recipe over the years, juggling family dinners, work deadlines, and everything in between. My secret? It’s all about the quality ingredients. Fresh, lump crab meat is essential – don't skimp here! You'll taste the difference. I prefer Hellmann's mayonnaise and Maille Dijon mustard; they just have that perfect tang and creaminess. And of course, no Maryland crab cake is complete without a generous sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning.
The beauty of these crab cakes lies in their versatility. They are equally delicious served hot from the pan, with a side of lemon wedges for a bright, refreshing counterpoint, or enjoyed cold, as part of a delightful picnic spread. I often make a double batch on the weekends – half for immediate gratification and the other half to freeze for those busy weeknights when even the simplest meal feels like a Herculean task. The freezer-friendly nature is a game-changer for me!
The preparation itself is straightforward, even for someone who's not a culinary expert. The process involves gently combining the crab meat with a few simple seasonings, forming the patties, refrigerating for an hour to allow the flavors to meld (and make them easier to handle!), and then pan-frying until golden brown. This simple approach respects the delicate nature of the crab meat, ensuring a tender, juicy cake in every bite.
Beyond the recipe itself, these crab cakes evoke a feeling of home for me. They remind me of summers spent at the Chesapeake Bay, the salty air, the laughter of friends and family gathered around a table laden with delicious food. It’s a memory that I want to preserve and share, and these crab cakes are my way of doing just that. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a complete novice, I invite you to try this recipe and savor the taste of Maryland's finest culinary treasure.
Beyond the Bite: Serving Suggestions
While these crab cakes are divine on their own, why not elevate them further? Serve them with a side of creamy tartar sauce (the recipe is included!), a fresh, crisp salad, or some roasted vegetables. For a truly luxurious meal, consider pairing them with a chilled Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. And don’t forget the lemon wedges for a zesty final touch!
Making it Your Own: Variations and Tweaks
This recipe is a foundation – feel free to experiment and make it your own! Add some finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for a touch of heat, or incorporate breadcrumbs instead of panko for a different texture. If you're feeling creative, try adding a sprinkle of herbs such as chives or dill for an additional layer of flavor.
No matter how you choose to prepare them, these Maryland crab cakes are sure to be a hit. They're a testament to the simple pleasure of fresh, high-quality ingredients, carefully combined and cooked to perfection. Enjoy the journey of creating this culinary masterpiece, and relish every delicious bite!
Happy Cooking!
