Crab cakes are a popular seafood dish originating in the United States, specifically in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland. The origin of crab cakes is unclear, but it is believed that they were first created by African American cooks who worked on Chesapeake Bay fishing boats in the 19th century.
The early crab cakes were simple and made with just a few ingredients, such as crab meat, bread crumbs, and egg. Over time, the recipe evolved to include additional ingredients, such as mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning, a spice blend commonly used in Maryland-style crab cakes.
Crab cakes became popular in the mid-20th century as more people traveled to the Chesapeake Bay region and sampled the local cuisine. Today, crab cakes are a beloved dish that can be found on menus across the United States, and they are often served with assorted accompaniments, such as tartar sauce, remoulade, or lemon wedges.
Crab Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh lump crabmeat picked over for shells
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, quickly whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a large bowl, quickly whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Gently fold in the crabmeat, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into 8-10 patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the crab cakes to the skillet and cook lightly until golden brown and crispy, about 4 minutes per side.
- Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Variations
While the classic crab cake recipe is always a winner, you can switch things up with interpretations. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some spice with diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
- Try using different types of seafood, such as shrimp or lobster.
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Experiment with different sauces like tartar sauce, aioli, or spicy remoulade.
No matter how you make them, crab cakes are always a crowd-pleaser. Serve them at your next party, or enjoy them as a tasty appetizer any night of the week.
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