Jimmy's Seafood Baltimore Crab Cake Recipe
Crab cakes are a staple in Maryland cuisine, and Jimmy's Seafood in Baltimore is known to serve up one of the best crab cakes in the state. Lucky for us, they've shared their top-secret recipe, so you can make this beloved dish right in your own kitchen.
The History of Maryland Crab Cakes
The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, is home to the blue crab, which is the star ingredient in Maryland crab cakes. For generations, families in the Chesapeake Bay area have been catching and cooking these delicious crustaceans. Crab cakes became a popular dish in Maryland during the colonial period and have been a staple ever since.
The Secret to Jimmy's Seafood Baltimore Crab Cake Recipe
Jimmy's Seafood adds a bit of a twist to the traditional Maryland crab cake recipe by using a mixture of jumbo lump and backfin crab meat. Using two types of crab meat results in a cake that is both tender and has a meaty texture. The secret ingredient in Jimmy's crab cake recipe is Old Bay Seasoning, a blend of herbs and spices that is synonymous with Maryland cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of jumbo lump crab meat
- 1 pound of backfin crab meat
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the jumbo lump and backfin crab meat, parsley, chives, Old Bay Seasoning, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, egg, and lemon juice.
- Add the bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) and mix well. Be careful not to overmix or the cakes will become tough.
- Form the mixture into 8 to 10 cakes, depending on how big you want them to be.
- Brush the cakes with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw or potato salad.
The Perfect Wine Pairing
Crab cakes pair well with a variety of white wines, but a Chardonnay is often the go-to choice. The buttery flavor of the Chardonnay complements the richness of the crab meat, while the acidity in the wine balances the flavors. Another great option is a Sauvignon Blanc, which has a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the crab cake.
Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for Jimmy's Seafood Baltimore Crab Cakes, there's no need to travel all the way to Maryland to indulge in this delicious cuisine. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can make these iconic crab cakes right in your own home. So, gather your family and friends, pour yourself a glass of Chardonnay, and enjoy a taste of Maryland in the comfort of your own home.
