Iconic Baltimore Crab Cakes

If you’re looking for a delicious seafood dish, look no further than Iconic Baltimore Crab Cakes! These little treasures are packed with juicy crab meat and are sure to impress your family and friends. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a flavorful treat everyone will enjoy.

Why Make This Recipe

You should definitely try making these crab cakes because they’re simple and quick to prepare. Plus, they bring a touch of Maryland’s famous seafood tradition right to your kitchen! With fresh crab meat and delightful flavors from Old Bay seasoning, these cakes are perfect for any occasion, be it a family dinner or a fun gathering.

How to Make Iconic Baltimore Crab Cakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh crab meat
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper until just mixed. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.

  2. Form the mixture into patties (about 8-10), ensuring they are compact.

  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the crab cakes in the skillet, cooking them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.

  4. Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

  5. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

How to Serve Iconic Baltimore Crab Cakes

These crab cakes are best served warm. You can put them on a platter and offer a variety of dipping sauces like tartar sauce or cocktail sauce. They make an excellent appetizer or can be served as a main dish with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies.

How to Store Iconic Baltimore Crab Cakes

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so tasty), let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Tips to Make Iconic Baltimore Crab Cakes

  • Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, canned crab meat can work too, just be sure to drain it well.
  • Don’t over mix the ingredients; you want to keep the crab meat chunky for that great texture.
  • Make the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them. This way, you can fry them just before serving!

Variation

Feel free to add some chopped green onions or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor. You can also switch up the dipping sauces according to your preference!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze crab cakes?
Yes! You can freeze them before cooking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container. Cook from frozen when ready.

2. What is Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay seasoning is a blend of spices used in seafood dishes, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region. It adds a unique flavor that you can’t miss in crab cakes.

3. Can I bake the crab cakes instead of frying them?
Yes! You can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. This method is a bit healthier!

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