Description
Delightful Maryland Crab Cakes bring coastal flavors straight to your kitchen, packed with fresh lump crabmeat and delicate seasonings. Crispy golden exteriors and tender interiors promise a seafood experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 1 pound (1 lb) lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Herbs and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon green onions (chopped)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or applying a light coating of cooking spray, ensuring a non-stick surface for the delicate crab cakes.
- Combine all wet and dry seasoning elements in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile that will complement the delicate crab meat.
- Incorporate the lump crab meat into the seasoned mixture, using a gentle folding technique to maintain the meat’s integrity and prevent breaking apart the delicate chunks.
- Carefully blend panko breadcrumbs into the crab mixture, ensuring even distribution without compressing the delicate protein.
- Craft individual crab cakes by hand, molding them into uniform rounds approximately half a cup in volume, taking care to keep the texture loose and airy.
- Arrange the formed crab cakes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow proper heat circulation and potential browning.
- Enhance the exterior by lightly misting with cooking spray or brushing with olive oil, which will promote a golden, crisp exterior during baking.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 400F (200C), rotating the cakes midway through cooking to ensure consistent browning and thorough heating.
- For an additional layer of crispness, activate the broiler for a brief 1-2 minute finish, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Present the golden-brown crab cakes immediately, accompanied by zesty tartar sauce, fresh lemon wedges, or a crisp complementary salad.
Notes
- Maximize crab meat quality by using fresh, high-grade lump crab for the most delicate texture and rich seafood flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the crab cake mixture to prevent dense, tough patties; gently combine ingredients to maintain a light, tender consistency.
- Customize breadcrumbs by using gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly options or add extra herbs like dill or chives for enhanced aromatic profile.
- Create perfect golden-brown crust by ensuring even cooking spray or olive oil application and using the broiler briefly for ultimate crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg