Old Bay Crab Cakes are a traditional Maryland dish that showcases the sweet, delicate flavor of fresh crab meat seasoned with the famous Old Bay seasoning. These crab cakes are ideal for a special occasion, a casual meal, or as a party appetizer. They are crispy on the outside but tender on the inside, providing a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- Crab Cakes:
- 1 pound fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking:
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crab Mixture:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Add the bread crumbs and chopped parsley. Gently fold until everything is just combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the Crab Cakes:
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into 8-10 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the crab cakes firm up.
- Cook the Crab Cakes:
- Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the crab cakes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Facts (Per Crab Cake, Approximate for 8 servings):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
Cooking Tips:
- For a healthier option, you can bake the crab cakes at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Make sure to use fresh lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using imitation crab meat.
- If the mixture is too wet to form patties, add a bit more bread crumbs until it holds together.
Old Bay Crab Cakes are a classic seafood dish that brings the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay to your table. These crab cakes will impress you with their rich flavor and perfect seasoning. Enjoy them as an appetizer or as a main course for a special meal.
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