How Long Do Crab Cakes Last in the Fridge? The Definitive Guide

Crab cakes are a delicious treat that seafood lovers can’t get enough of Their rich, flaky texture paired with sweet crab meat makes them an appetizing meal or snack. However, like with any perishable food, proper storage is essential to keep crab cakes safe to eat So how long do crab cakes last in the fridge?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll give you the definitive answer on crab cake fridge life so you can keep enjoying these savory patties without worry. We’ll also provide tips to extend their shelf life and recognize when they’ve gone bad.

The Fridge Life of Fresh Crab Cakes

If you’ve just prepared fresh, homemade crab cakes that haven’t been frozen, you can safely store them in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. The exact timeline depends on the freshness of the crab meat used. High quality, very fresh crab allows the cakes to last closer to 5 days, while older crab brings the fridge life down to 3 days.

Crab cakes purchased fresh from a trusted seafood market or restaurant can also keep for 3-5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.

However, take note of the use-by date printed on the packaging or provided by the seller. That’s the recommended period for peak quality and safety.

Does Freezing Extend Fridge Life?

Freezing is an excellent way to prolong the shelf life of crab cakes beyond the standard 3-5 days,

You can safely freeze homemade or store-bought crab cakes for up to 3 months, Just make sure to package them properly in an airtight freezer bag or container before freezing This prevents freezer burn which can negatively impact taste and texture,

Once thawed in the refrigerator, the crab cakes will still need to be eaten within 3-5 days. So freezing buys you more time before cooking, but doesn’t allow the thawed cakes to be stored much longer.

Storing Crab Cakes Properly in the Fridge

To safely maximize fridge life, crab cakes need careful storage. Here are some top tips:

• Place crab cakes in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents moisture loss and keeps out fridge odors that can seep into the cakes.

• Make sure crab cakes are stored in the coldest part of the fridge, which is at the back on the bottom shelf. The optimal temperature is 40°F or below.

• Avoid overcrowding the container or wrapping cakes together too tightly. This restricts airflow and accelerates spoilage.

• Consume crab cakes within 2 hours of removing them from refrigerator storage. Don’t allow them to sit at room temperature for longer than this before reheating and eating.

Following these best practices allows crab cakes to stay fresh for their maximum fridge shelf life.

Can You Refrigerate Crab Cake Mix?

If you’ve prepared crab cake mix but haven’t formed the patties yet, you can also refrigerate the mix briefly. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping the cakes and cooking. The blend of crab meat and binder ingredients can lose quality if stored longer.

Once cooked into cakes, return any leftovers to the fridge within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days. Don’t attempt to re-refrigerate any unused mix after this initial 24 hour period. Discard it instead for food safety.

Identifying Spoiled Crab Cakes

Eating spoiled crab cakes can cause foodborne illness, so it’s critical to recognize when they’ve gone bad. Here are the signs to watch for:

• Mold growth – this appears as fuzzy spots or filaments on the crab cakes. Mold is one of the most obvious signs of spoilage.

• Strong, unpleasant fishy odor – fresh crab cakes have a mild seafood smell, so a potent fishy scent is a red flag.

• Slimy texture – the crab meat mixture should not feel overly slick, sticky or mushy. This indicates bacterial growth.

• Discoloration – properly refrigerated crab cakes keep their natural light color. Gray, green or yellow hues are concerning.

When in doubt, remember the old adage – when fish smells fishy, it’s not fitting to be dishy! Rely on your senses and discard any crab cakes with off aromas, textures or appearances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still hungry for more crab cake storage info? Here are answers to some common questions:

How should I thaw frozen crab cakes?

Keep frozen crab cakes wrapped and place the package in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Once fully thawed, use within 3-5 days. Do not attempt to quick thaw crab cakes at room temperature or in the microwave as this can cause unsafe bacterial growth.

Can I refreeze previously frozen crab cakes?

Refreezing thawed crab cakes is not recommended as the texture suffers. Eat any thawed cakes within the 3-5 day fridge life or discard them.

Is it safe to eat crab cakes after the use-by date?

It’s best to follow the expiration or use-by date printed on crab cake packaging as this indicates peak freshness. Eating them beyond this date increases your risk of food poisoning. When in doubt, throw it out.

Can I eat leftover crab cakes cold?

You can absolutely eat previously cooked crab cakes chilled. While heating them up is ideal for the best texture and flavor, enjoying crab cakes cold is safe.

How should I reheat crab cakes?

To reheat crab cakes, use the oven or skillet method. Bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Or pan-fry in butter or oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Take care not to overcook them.

Are crab cakes safe for people with seafood allergies?

No, crab cakes are not safe for those with crustacean shellfish allergies as they contain crab meat. People with seafood allergies should avoid them.

Enjoy Crab Cakes Safely Within the 3-5 Day Fridge Life