Why Make This Recipe
Maryland Style Crab Cakes are famous for their delicious flavor and crisp texture. This dish showcases the sweetness of fresh crab meat and combines it with simple ingredients to create a delightful meal or appetizer. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something tasty, crab cakes are sure to impress. Moreover, making crab cakes at home gives you control over the ingredients, allowing you to skip preservatives and artificial flavors often found in store-bought options.
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: In a large bowl, combine the fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and the large egg. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped green onion. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix Gently: With a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients gently. Be careful not to overwork the crab meat; you want to keep the lumps for texture.
Form Patties: Once the mixture is well combined, take small portions and form them into patties. Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking. You can make them as large or as small as you prefer based on your serving needs.
Preheat Skillet: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Ensure there is enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet for frying.
Fry the Crab Cakes: Place the formed crab cakes in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides, which will take about 4-5 minutes per side.
Drain: Once cooked, remove the crab cakes from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Serve Hot: Enjoy your Maryland Style Crab Cakes while they’re hot!
How to Serve Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Maryland Style Crab Cakes can be served in various ways. They often shine on their own, but you can elevate your dish with a few accompaniments. Serve them with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Pair your crab cakes with a fresh salad or lightly sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. They also make great sliders: serve in a small bun with lettuce and a tangy sauce for a delightful appetizer at parties or gatherings.
How to Store Maryland Style Crab Cakes
If you have leftovers, storing them properly ensures they maintain their flavorful appeal. Let the cooked crab cakes cool down to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the uncooked patties. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, there is no need to thaw; simply cook them straight from the freezer.
Tips to Make Maryland Style Crab Cakes
- Select Quality Crab: The star of your dish is the crab meat, so choose high-quality fresh crab. Lump crab meat is preferred for its large pieces and sweet flavor.
- Do Not Overmix: When mixing the ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make the crab cakes dense rather than flavorful and tender.
- Chill Before Cooking: Letting your formed patties chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes can help them hold together better during cooking.
- Taste Test: Before frying all the cakes, cook a small patty to taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Don’t Rush: Ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding crab cakes to achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
Variation
While the classic Maryland Style Crab Cakes are delicious as is, you can customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs. Consider adding diced red peppers or jalapeños for a kick of heat. If you prefer a healthier version, sauté the crab cakes instead of frying them. You may also substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat if fresh crab is not available. Just make sure to drain and rinse it well to get rid of excess salt and preservatives.
Can I bake crab cakes instead of frying them?
Absolutely! For a lower-fat version, bake the crab cakes on a greased baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
How do I know when the crab cakes are done?
The crab cakes should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. If unsure, you can cut one open to check that it’s hot and cooked through.
Can I make crab cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab cake mixture ahead of time, form the patties, and keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Alternatively, store them in the freezer for longer storage.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover crab cakes?
To reheat, place the crab cakes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated thoroughly. This helps to maintain their crispiness.
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Delicious Maryland Style Crab Cakes featuring fresh crab meat combined with simple ingredients for an impressive dish.
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, combine the fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and egg.
- Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped green onion. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients with a spatula or hands, avoiding overmixing.
- Form small portions into patties about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the crab cakes in the hot oil, about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with lemon wedges or tartar sauce. Great for appetizers or main dishes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: crab cakes, Maryland crab cakes, seafood, appetizer, homemade