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Crab cakes are a beloved dish along the Eastern seaboard, particularly in Maryland, where they are a staple. These golden crab cakes, rich in flavor and texture, are perfect for a special occasion or a casual dinner. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the sweet, briny flavor of fresh crab meat. This recipe ensures you can create restaurant-quality crab cakes in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving
Instructions for Perfect Golden Crab Cakes
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as the binding agent for your crab cakes, ensuring they hold together while also infusing them with flavor.
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Step 2: Fold in the Crab Meat and Other Ingredients
Gently fold in the lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, and chopped parsley. It’s essential to be gentle here to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much, preserving its delicate texture. Overmixing can make the crab cakes dense and less flavorful.
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Step 3: Shape and Chill the Crab Cakes
Shape the mixture into 8 patties, each about ½-inch thick. Place the formed crab cakes on a plate and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the crab cakes firm up, making them easier to handle and preventing them from falling apart during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Crab Cakes
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, carefully add the crab cakes, cooking them in batches if necessary. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The exterior should be crispy, while the inside remains moist and tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After cooking, remove the crab cakes from the skillet and drain them briefly on paper towels to remove any excess butter. Serve them warm, with optional lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side for a zesty finish.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Keeping a light hand when mixing the ingredients will result in lighter, fluffier crab cakes.
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the refrigeration step; it’s crucial for helping the crab cakes hold their shape during cooking.
- Cooking Temperature: Keep the heat at medium to ensure the crab cakes cook through without burning the exterior.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 (2 crab cakes each)
These crab cakes are the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making them an excellent addition to any meal. Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even in a sandwich. No matter how you enjoy them, these golden Maryland crab cakes are sure to impress.