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Crab cakes are a classic dish served for brunch, lunch, or dinner. To some they are a comfort food ordered at fine restaurants, while others experiment at home in their kitchens to find the perfect recipe. This culinary delight is enjoyed around the world, with delicious variations at every location, or with every chef or home cook.
You should start with the finest crabmeat you can acquire. Whether its fresh or frozen, local or seasonal, king, dungeness or Maryland blue, the better the crabmeat, the better the final result. Jumbo lump or backfin are great choices. Folded in gently to the crab cake mixture, these two types of crabmeat will retain shape and texture and deliver a delicious and beautiful crab cake.
Fresh ingredients are another key to preparing incredible crab cakes. For example using fresh eggs, fresh herbs instead of dried, fresh lemon or lime juice instead of bottled will all lead to a producing a superior result. Fresh ingredients will lead to fewer inconsistencies each time you prepare them. If you are using breadcrumbs as a binder, fresh homemade, or fresh store bought will always produce the best results.
The crabmeat is generally folded into the mixture last, so the crabmeat stays in large lumps and flakes. The mixture is delicately shaped into patties to retain textures, and the individual patties are covered and refrigerated for at least an hour so flavors can combine and the patties set up. Chilling the patties lessens the chance of the crab cakes falling apart when cooked. The patties can be sauteed, broiled, baked, and deep fried, or grilled. Every method delivers distinct flavors and textures and can enhance the overall taste and presentation. No one method is preferred, although some would argue that crab cakes should only be prepared in a certain way.
Crab cakes can be prepared with very few ingredients allowing the flavor and texture of the crabmeat to take center stage. Some recipes build off this classic recipe by adding a touch of hot, sweet or spice to the cakes. Seafood seasonings are often added to crab cakes to add a distinct seafood flavor. Crab cake sauces are often served on the side, and there are as many recipes for sauces as there are for the cakes themselves.
Crab cakes can be enjoyed year round in the comfort of your own home. When armed with the best recipes, prepared with care and fine ingredients, you can present a perfect appetizer or main dish and truly wow your dining audience.
