Best Maryland Crab Cake Recipe No Filler
As a Maryland native, I take pride in our state's most famous seafood dish: the crab cake. But not all crab cakes are created equal. Some are loaded with unnecessary fillers, while others lack the seafood's fresh flavor. That's why I'm sharing my secret recipe for the Best Maryland Crab Cake Recipe No Filler.
Ingredients
- 1 pound backfin crab meat
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Make sure to use high-quality backfin crab meat for the best results. You can find this at your local seafood market or on the internet. Avoid using claw meat as it has a stronger flavor and a stringier texture that will not provide the desired consistency for the crab cake.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the crab meat and cracker crumbs to the bowl and gently mix until well combined. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 6 crab cakes, making sure they are compact and hold their shape. Place them on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Brush the butter on top of each crab cake.
- Bake the crab cakes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the crab cakes rest for 5 minutes before serving.
These crab cakes can be served with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon. They can also be enjoyed as a sandwich or with a salad on the side. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
Tips
- Do not overmix the crab meat mixture or the crab cakes will be tough.
- Refrigerate the crab meat mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming into cakes. This will help them hold their shape during baking.
- Do not flip the crab cakes during baking. This will cause them to break apart.
- For a crispier crust, broil the crab cakes for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
This Best Maryland Crab Cake Recipe No Filler is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy one of Maryland's most celebrated dishes. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality crab cake that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give it a try!
