These crab cakes are a Maryland classic. They are made with fresh lump crab meat and just enough filler to hold it all together.
Chesapeake blue crabs and crab cakes are so good that they’re almost religious in Maryland. My family is a dedicated devotee. Our favorite crab shacks are all along the Eastern shore and in the area. Every summer, we go to all of them to enjoy the view of the bay and the sand between our toes.
I’d never attempt making steamed blue crabs at home. Big steamers with live crabs? Eww! But I often make crab cakes, which taste just as good and are easier to make (and eat). The key is using fresh lump crabmeat and just enough filler to bind the crabmeat together. I love them with tartar sauce, but you could also serve them with lemon wedges or cocktail sauce. Don’t forget the peel-and-eat shrimp, hush puppies, and cornbread.
Crab cakes are a delicious seafood treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Their sweet, succulent crab meat wrapped in a crispy outer coating makes them an appetizing meal or snack. But what’s the best way to eat these tasty crab creations? Here’s an in-depth look at how to eat crab cakes like a pro.
Serving Suggestions
Crab cakes can be served as an appetizer, a light meal, or even a main course. They pair nicely with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions to try:
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As an appetizer, serve miniature crab cakes with lemon wedges and remoulade or tartar sauce for dipping.
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For a light lunch, make full-sized crab cakes and serve them on a bed of lettuce or on buns as crab cake sandwiches. Side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, or fruit make tasty accompaniments.
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For dinner, crab cakes pair well with roasted vegetables, herbed rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
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Garnish crab cakes with sliced avocado, mango salsa, or a drizzle of lemon aioli to add extra flavor.
Different Ways to Eat
There’s more than one way to enjoy crab cakes. Feel free to mix and match preparations to find your favorites.
On Buns
Many people prefer to eat their crab cakes layered with lettuce and tomato on a soft bread bun. This is an excellent way to enjoy a crab cake because the soft, buttery flavor of the bun perfectly complements the soft, buttery flavor of the crab meat.
Brioche and potato buns work especially well A schmear of mayonnaise, tartar sauce, or remoulade adds even more moisture and flavor.
For easy eating and minimal mess, serve crab cake sandwiches with plenty of napkins. The soft bread soaks up any errant crumbs.
With Dipping Sauces
Crab cakes also pair wonderfully with zesty dipping sauces. Offer ramekins of lemon aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, mustard-dill sauce, or creamy remoulade for dunking.
The tart, spicy, or herby notes of the sauces offset the natural sweetness of the crab meat. Drag each bite of crab cake through your favorite sauce for enhanced flavor.
On Salads
For a lighter meal, enjoy crab cakes on top of crisp, fresh salads. The hot crab cake atop cool greens makes a nice temperature contrast.
Some tasty salad pairings include
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Arugula salad with roasted beets, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette
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Mixed baby greens with avocado, grape tomatoes, and Green Goddess dressing
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Wedge salad with crumbled bacon and blue cheese dressing
The slightly bitter, peppery greens balance out the richness of the crab cake.
As Appetizers
Crab cakes are ideal party appetizers when made miniature. Serve individual bite-sized crab cakes with toothpicks and let guests dip into accompanying sauces.
Or, pile mini crab cakes on a platter for guests to grab and pop directly into their mouths. Pass lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Skewered
For easy handling, thread crab cakes onto skewers. Bamboo and metal skewers both work well.
Slide crab cakes onto the skewers, allowing a couple inches between each. Serve them propped up on the edges of plates or platters.
Skewering also allows for fun garnishes. Alternate crab cakes with skewered pineapple chunks, grape tomatoes, or green olives for color and added flavor.
Cooking Methods
Crab cakes can be prepared using several different cooking methods. Each imparts its own unique twist.
Pan-Fried
The most common way to cook crab cakes is by pan-frying them in oil. This gives the exterior a crispy, golden brown coating.
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add crab cakes and fry 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Drain fried crab cakes on a paper towel-lined plate.
Baked
For a lower-fat preparation, bake crab cakes in the oven. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet lightly greased with oil.
Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, gently flipping halfway through. The baked crab cakes will have a softer texture than fried versions.
Grilled
Fire up the grill to add smoky flavor to crab cakes. Oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Grill crab cakes over direct medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
Watch closely to avoid overcooking. Brush grilled crab cakes with melted butter or olive oil for extra moisture.
Air Fried
An air fryer gives crab cakes a crisp exterior without all the oil of frying. Air fry at 380°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until browned.
Monitor crab cakes closely so they don’t overcook in the fast-moving air fryer. Brush with a little oil or butter first for best texture.
Expert Tips
Follow these pro tips for crab cakes cooked to perfection:
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Use fresh, high-quality crabmeat. Jumbo lump crab has the best texture.
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Avoid overmixing the crab filling—it can make cakes dense. Gently fold ingredients together.
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Refrigerate formed crab cakes 30+ minutes before cooking so they hold their shape better.
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Coat pan-fried crab cakes in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
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Sauté a minute or two longer for very crisp exteriors. Don’t sacrifice interior moisture though.
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Check seasoning after forming cakes. Add more salt, pepper, herbs, or hot sauce if needed.
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Turn crab cakes gently to keep their shape intact during cooking. Use a thin spatula.
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Test doneness with a cake crust that’s golden brown and an interior that’s still moist.
Crab Cake Perfection
Crab cakes are a versatile food that can be tailored to your preferences. Follow this guide to become a crab cake connoisseur.
Experiment with creative recipe twists, sauce pairings, and serving suggestions. Bread crab cakes differently, or alter herbs and spices in the filling.
Finding your favorite ways to prepare and enjoy crab cakes is all part of the fun. Just be sure to use top-notch crabmeat and avoid overmixing.
With their addictive flavor and texture, crab cakes are sure to become a new favorite meal. So get cracking with these expert tips and recipes for crab cake perfection!
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What You’ll Need To Make Maryland Crab Cakes
It’s very important to use fresh, good-quality lump crab meat. Find crab meat that was just caught off the boat. It comes in a clear plastic container and is usually sitting on ice in the seafood section. It’s expensive, but one pound is enough to make six generous crab cakes (or 12 mini ones).
If you can’t find fresh lump crab meat, the next best thing is chilled crab meat like Phillip’s, which is easy to find all year. Avoid shelf-stable canned crab meat, which contains additives that affect the taste and texture of the meat. (Try fresh salmon cakes instead of crab cakes if you want to save money or when fresh crab meat isn’t in season.) ).
For those who follow the rules, you can leave out the celery. I love the little crunch it gives to Maryland crab cakes, but you can do without it if you want to.
Guy Fieri’s Baked Crabcakes with Old Bay Remoulade | Guy’s Big Bite | Food Network
FAQ
Are crab cakes eaten hot or cold?
How to cook already made crab cakes?
Should you heat up crab cakes?
Can you eat cooked crab cakes cold?
What to serve with crab cakes?
Lucky for you and your wallet, these coastal delicacies can be easily made at home. Now the only hurdle to enjoying crab cakes is choosing what side dish to pair with them. To help complete your meal, we’ve rounded up the best side dishes to serve with crab cakes, from colorful salads to creamy soups.
Can crab meat be consumed as part of a diabetic diet?
Yes, you can. Crab meat has mineral proteins, is rich in calcium, manganese, zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids from the omega 3 series, which have several beneficial effects, such as lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and preventing complications resulting from diabetes.
What do you eat with crab pie?
When it comes to pairing food with crab pie, there are many options to choose from.According to **Southern Living**, it’s best to find something bright and flavorful yet simple enough not to outshine the
What to eat with hot crab cakes?
Chilled macaroni salad is an iconic summer side dish that also happens to be the perfect balance for hot crab cakes. Layers of cheese, onion, and zucchini are topped with a buttery bread crumb topping in this irresistible casserole.