Maryland Crab Cake Recipe Food And Wine
An Introduction to Maryland Crab Cakes
When you think of Maryland, you might think of the Chesapeake Bay or the Baltimore Orioles. But locals know that Maryland is the land of the perfect crab cake. A good Maryland crab cake is packed with delicious flavors and textures, and it's the perfect addition to any seafood feast.
The recipe for a great Maryland crab cake is simple, but it's all in the execution. You need just a few key ingredients: fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, spices like Old Bay or paprika, and a binding agent like egg or mayonnaise. When you combine these ingredients and cook the cakes just right, you'll end up with a taste sensation that's hard to resist.
Ingredients for a Perfect Maryland Crab Cake
To make a perfect Maryland crab cake, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. fresh crab meat, picked over for shells and cartilage
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Maryland Crab Cakes
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Maryland crab cakes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the crab meat and breadcrumbs to the bowl and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Form the mixture into 8 crab cakes, about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick.
- Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the crab cakes with melted butter.
- Bake the crab cakes for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect Maryland Crab Cakes
Here are a few tips to help you make the best Maryland crab cakes:
- Pick over the crab meat carefully to remove any shells or cartilage. Nothing ruins a good crab cake like a big chunk of shell!
- Use fresh crab meat if possible. Canned or frozen crab meat can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- Don't overmix the crab meat mixture or pack the cakes too tightly. You want the crab to be the star of the show, not the other ingredients.
- Try grilling or pan-frying the crab cakes instead of baking them for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
There you have it - the perfect Maryland crab cake recipe! Whether you're a Maryland local or just looking for a taste of the Chesapeake Bay, these crab cakes are sure to please. Follow the recipe and tips above to make the best crab cakes you've ever tasted.