Food And Wine Baltimore Style Crab Cakes
If you are a seafood lover, chances are you’ve heard of Baltimore-style crab cakes. These delicious cakes are one of the most popular seafood dishes in the United States, and for good reason. Made with fresh lump crab meat, spices, and other ingredients, Baltimore-style crab cakes are a perfect balance between sweet and salty, crispy and tender. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, preparation, and best places to try Baltimore-style crab cakes.
The History of Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes
The history of crab cakes in Baltimore can be traced back to the early 19th century. Back then, Chesapeake Bay was abundant with blue crabs, and the locals needed to find a way to use the excess crab meat. Crab cakes were born out of necessity, and they quickly became a staple food in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. The crab cakes were originally made with basic ingredients such as bread, egg, and crab meat. However, over time, locals started experimenting with different spices and herbs to create new and exciting flavors.
Preparing Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes
The secret to a good Baltimore-style crab cake is using fresh, high-quality crab meat. The type of crab meat used can significantly impact the taste and texture of the crab cake. The most popular types of crab meat used are lump crab meat and backfin crab meat. Lump crab meat is the most expensive but has large, meaty chunks, while backfin crab meat is more affordable and has smaller chunks.
Aside from the crab meat, other ingredients commonly used in Baltimore-style crab cakes include breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley. These ingredients are mixed together in a bowl to form a thick paste. The mixture is then formed into patties and fried in oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Best Places to Try Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes
If you want to try Baltimore-style crab cakes, the best place to go is Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore has numerous restaurants that serve this delicacy, and each has its unique twist on the recipe. Some of the most popular restaurants known for their crab cakes include Faidley Seafood, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, and G&M Restaurant. These restaurants have been serving crab cakes for generations and have become a Maryland staple.
However, you don't have to be in Baltimore to enjoy a good Baltimore-style crab cake. You can easily make them at home with a little bit of effort and patience. There are numerous recipes available online that can guide you through the process step by step.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Baltimore-style crab cakes are a delicious and popular seafood dish that has been around for centuries. Made with fresh, high-quality crab meat and a blend of spices and other ingredients, these cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you are in Baltimore or at home, Baltimore-style crab cakes are not to be missed.
