Imagine a crispy, golden-brown delicacy that captures the essence of the Chesapeake Bay in every single bite! Maryland Lady Crab Cakes are not just a recipe; they're a mouthwatering journey through Maryland's rich culinary heritage. These irresistible seafood gems are so packed with flavor and texture that they'll transport you straight to the sandy shores of the Atlantic coast, without ever leaving your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's both elegantly simple and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb crab meat
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb of crab meat, 1/2 cup of crushed crackers, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 egg, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp of chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Make sure your crab meat is picked over for any shells and is fresh.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat and crushed crackers. Gently fold them together to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is well combined.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the crab and cracker mixture. Using a spatula or your hands, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the lumps of crab meat.
- Once the mixture is combined, form it into patties. You can make them as large or small as you prefer, but aim for about 1/2 inch thick. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Allow the oil to heat up for a couple of minutes.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the crab cakes to the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the crab cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them over.
- Once cooked, transfer the crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Maryland Lady Crab Cakes warm, garnished with additional chopped dill or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade crab cakes!
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Be gentle when mixing ingredients to preserve the delicate crab meat chunks.
- Chill the formed crab cake patties for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the most even and crispy browning.
- Don't flip the crab cakes too often - let them develop a nice golden crust.
- If you prefer baking, you can also cook these at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and most vibrant flavor.
- Pair with a light remoulade or tartar sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 271mg
