Savory Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes
Experience the taste of the East Coast with these savory Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes. Perfect for a light summer meal or an exquisite appetizer, these crab cakes are a delightful combination of tender crabmeat and flavorful spices. This dish brings the essence of the sea to your table, sure to impress guests or elevate a quiet dinner.
4
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg
1 (beaten)
mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (light)
green onion tops
2 tablespoons (minced)
Chesapeake seasoning
1/4 tablespoon (such as Old Bay)
hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
crabmeat
1 lb (drained and picked over for shells (lump or backfin))
milk
4 teaspoons (none)
saltine crackers
10 (finely crushed (fat-free variety))
olive oil
6 tablespoons (for frying)
lemon wedge
as desired (for serving)
tartar sauce
as desired (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, blend the beaten egg, mayonnaise, minced green onion tops, Chesapeake seasoning, and hot pepper sauce until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
2
Gently break up the crabmeat into pieces in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring there are no remaining shells.
3
Pour the milk over the crabmeat and gently toss to coat it evenly.
4
Add the finely crushed saltine crackers to the crab mixture and gently combine.
5
Pour the egg mixture over the crab and cracker mixture. Toss gently to ensure the ingredients are well combined without breaking the crabmeat.
6
Using a 1/3-cup measuring cup, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into compact cakes. Repeat until you have 8 crab cakes. They can be prepared and stored, covered in the fridge, for up to 8 hours before cooking.
7
About 10 minutes before you are ready to serve, heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
8
Position the crab cakes carefully in the skillet. Sauté them, turning once, until they are golden brown, approximately 3 minutes per side.
9
After cooking, place the crab cakes on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
10
Serve the crab cakes immediately accompanied by lemon wedges and your favorite tartar sauce.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
9g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes?
They are an East Coast inspired dish featuring tender crabmeat, flavorful spices, and a light binding of crackers and mayonnaise.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 4 servings.
How many crab cakes are produced per batch?
This recipe produces 8 compact crab cakes.
What type of crabmeat is recommended?
Lump or backfin crabmeat is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content of the crab cakes?
There are 21 grams of protein per serving.
What are the main binders used in this recipe?
The binders include one beaten egg, light mayonnaise, and 10 finely crushed saltine crackers.
Can I prepare these crab cakes in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before cooking.
What kind of seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 tablespoon of Chesapeake seasoning, such as Old Bay.
How do I cook the crab cakes?
Sauté them in olive oil over medium to medium-high heat for approximately 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
What size skillet should I use?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended for cooking the cakes.
How do I portion the crab cakes?
Use a 1/3-cup measuring cup to scoop out and form even portions.
Is there any dairy in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 4 teaspoons of milk to toss with the crabmeat.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 21 grams of fat.
Are there any carbohydrates in this dish?
Yes, there are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I check for when prepping the crabmeat?
You should pick over the crabmeat to ensure there are no remaining shells.
What type of saltines are suggested?
The recipe suggests using the fat-free variety of saltine crackers.
How much olive oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
What are the suggested garnishes for serving?
Serve the crab cakes with lemon wedges and your favorite tartar sauce.
Why are the cakes placed on paper towels after cooking?
To drain any excess oil from the sautéing process.
Can I add extra heat to the recipe?
Yes, the recipe include 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, which can be adjusted to taste.
What part of the green onion is used?
The recipe specifically calls for the minced green onion tops.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients including the garnishes.
Is this recipe suitable for an appetizer?
Yes, it is described as an exquisite appetizer or a light summer meal.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is blending the egg, mayonnaise, onion tops, seasoning, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
Do I need to be careful when mixing the crab?
Yes, toss the ingredients gently to ensure they are combined without breaking up the crabmeat too much.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Crab or Seafood.
How long before serving should I start cooking?
Start heating the oil about 10 minutes before you are ready to serve.
Is the mayonnaise full fat?
The recipe specifies using light mayonnaise.
Are there any fibers or sugars listed?
The nutritional data lists fiber and sugar as null for this specific recipe.