This copycat Red Lobster crab cakes recipe is even better than the original. Lump crabmeat and shrimp are mixed together to make a tasty breaded crab cake that is golden on the outside and soft and tasty on the inside.
Im a long time fan of Red Lobster, and I love their crab cakes. I set about making my own to match their delicious flavor. I finally perfected it and then made them taste even better!.
Red Lobster is arguably most famous for its Cheddar Bay Biscuits But did you know they also serve up tasty crab cakes? As a seafood restaurant giant, it’s no surprise Red Lobster offers this popular menu item Keep reading to get the inside scoop on the crab cakes at Red Lobster.
A Brief History of Red Lobster
Red Lobster first opened its doors in Lakeland, Florida in 1968. The goal was to bring delicious, affordable seafood to Middle America. The first location proved so successful, expansion quickly followed. Red Lobster now has over 700 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Seafood lovers flock to Red Lobster for classics like lobster, shrimp, and fish. But there’s more to the menu than that. Over the decades, Red Lobster has added customer favorites like crab cakes. Offering familiar dishes gives diners even more reason to keep coming back.
The Origin of Crab Cakes
Crab cakes originated in the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia and Maryland The earliest recipes date back to the late 1800s Restaurants and home cooks alike began forming seasoned blue crab meat into patties and frying them in oil or butter,
The crisp exterior and tender interior texture of crab cakes, plus their sweet crab flavor, made them an instant hit. Their popularity spread beyond the Chesapeake Bay over time. Now you can enjoy delicious crab cakes everywhere from fine dining restaurants to casual chains like Red Lobster.
Red Lobster’s Take on Crab Cakes
Red Lobster decided to add crab cakes to their menu to offer guests another way to enjoy tasty crab. Their cakes contain a blend of crab meat, breadcrumbs mayonnaise, mustard, and secret seasonings.
The crabs used come from renewable and sustainable sources certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council. So you can feel good eating Red Lobster’s crab cakes.
Red Lobster takes care to form the crab mixture into patties by hand. This achieves the iconic crab cake shape. They then pan fry the cakes until golden brown on the outside while keeping the interior moist.
Ordering Crab Cakes at Red Lobster
You’ll find crab cakes listed as an appetizer option on Red Lobster’s menu. Pricing is reasonable, ranging from $9.99 – $12.99 for two or three cakes depending on location. Red Lobster also offers main entrees featuring crab cakes if you want them as your main meal.
Some Red Lobster restaurants run specials like “Create Your Own Combination” where you can enjoy crab cakes alongside shrimp, lobster, and more. Keep an eye out for deals or ask your server for inside tips on indulging in crab cakes.
Serving Suggestions for Crab Cakes
Ordering crab cakes as an appetizer or entree is a no-brainer. But should you add anything on the side? Red Lobster recommends their zesty tartar sauce for dipping. The tangy flavor perfectly offsets the richness of the crab cakes.
Sides like shrimp scampi linguine, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, or crispy french fries also complement crab cakes well at Red Lobster. And don’t skip finishing your meal with a Cheddar Bay Biscuit!
Perks of Eating Crab Cakes at Red Lobster
There are several advantages to eating crab cakes from Red Lobster versus making them at home yourself:
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No shopping for ingredients or prep work
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Consistent flavor and construction
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Multiple ordering options (appetizer, entree, combos)
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Reasonable prices for restaurant-quality crab cakes
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Can earn rewards points toward discounts as a My Red Lobster Rewards member
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Supporting sustainable seafood
So next time you have a crab cake craving, let the experts at Red Lobster do the work for you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Lobster’s Crab Cakes
People often have questions about the details of Red Lobster’s crab cakes. Here are some common FAQs:
What kind of crab meat is in the cakes?
Red Lobster uses high-quality lump crab meat. The lumps provide delicious texture and flavor.
How many crab cakes come in an order?
Appetizer portions include 2-3 average size cakes. Entree crab cake platters generally have 3-4 larger cakes.
What’s the price for crab cakes at Red Lobster?
Expect to pay $9.99-$12.99 for an appetizer order and $17.99-$24.99 for an entree platter, varying by location.
Can you customize crab cake orders?
Yes! Ask if you can swap fries for a different side, add extra cakes, or make other tweaks.
Do the crab cakes taste authentic?
Yes, they have a classic crab cake flavor thanks to using real lump crab meat and perfecting the recipe.
Can I get crab cakes to go?
Absolutely! Red Lobster offers to-go ordering and delivery through various services. Crab cakes travel well.
Are the crab cakes gluten-free?
No, they contain breadcrumbs so are not gluten-free. But Red Lobster has other gluten-free items.
Do the crab cakes come with dipping sauce?
They are typically served with tangy tartar sauce for dipping, which complements the cakes perfectly.
Crab Cakes Worth Cracking Open
At the end of the day, Red Lobster aims to provide delicious seafood in a welcoming atmosphere. Their crab cakes check all the boxes in terms of taste, quality, and value. They’re worth diving into whether dining at the restaurant or ordering to-go.
Next time you’re craving classic crab cakes, look no further than your local Red Lobster. Order a round as an appetizer to pass and enjoy. Or make a meal of them with an entree platter and all the fixings. However you choose to indulge, Red Lobster’s crab cakes will deliver on flavor.
Step 4: Create the Crab Cake Base
Pulse the shrimp in a food processor until finely ground. Then, add cream and pulse a few times to combine. Add the cooled vegetables to the bowl with the shrimp puree and stir in the mustard, hot pepper sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning until everything is well mixed.
Step 5: Add the Crab Meat
If you soaked your crab in milk, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer. Be careful not to break up the crab meat as you press hard to get the milk out. Then, add it to the shrimp and vegetable mix and gently fold it in so the crab meat doesn’t get broken up.