Maryland Crab Cakes Vs New England Crab Cakes
If you’re a seafood lover, then crab cakes are undoubtedly a great delicacy that you simply can't ignore. While different styles of crab cakes are available all over the USA, two styles that stand out are Maryland Crab Cakes and New England Crab Cakes. Both are popular, but there are several significant differences that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will dive into the differences between these two styles of crab cakes.
What are Maryland Crab Cakes?
Maryland Crab Cakes originate from the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland. They are made with large lumps of crab meat and very little fillers. The most commonly used fillers are egg, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise, which are added to the mixture to hold the crab meat together. Maryland Crab Cakes are typically coated in breadcrumbs and then fried or broiled. They are served with a side of cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, and you can also add some lemon juice for that tangy zing.
What makes Maryland Crab Cakes stand out is the use of the Blue Crab, which is a type of crab native to the Chesapeake Bay area. The Blue Crab has a sweet, delicate flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients used in making Maryland Crab Cakes. The emphasis on the quality of the crab meat is also what makes Maryland Crab Cakes so popular.
What are New England Crab Cakes?
New England Crab Cakes, on the other hand, are made using Jonah Crab, Snow Crab, or Dungeness Crab. They are also much larger than Maryland Crab Cakes, and they contain more fillers like bread crumbs and mayonnaise. This makes them less crab-heavy than Maryland Crab Cakes. New England Crab Cakes are typically fried or baked and served with tartar sauce or aioli sauce.
What sets New England Crab Cakes apart is the addition of other seasonings like mustard, celery, and onions, which gives them a bold and distinct flavor. The emphasis on flavor is also what makes them unique, as they are not just about the quality of the crab meat but also about the other ingredients added to them.
Maryland Crab Cakes Vs. New England Crab Cakes: The Differences
The main difference between Maryland Crab Cakes and New England Crab Cakes lies in their ingredients and how they are prepared.
- Maryland Crab Cakes use Blue Crab, which is native to the Chesapeake Bay area, and are made with larger lumps of crab meat and with very little fillers.
- New England Crab Cakes use Jonah Crab, Snow Crab, or Dungeness Crab, and are made with smaller lumps of crab meat and more fillers like bread crumbs and mayonnaise.
- Maryland Crab Cakes are typically coated in breadcrumbs and then fried or broiled, while New England Crab Cakes are usually fried or baked.
- Maryland Crab Cakes are served with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce, while New England Crab Cakes are served with tartar sauce, aioli, or other sauces that contain seasonings like mustard, celery, and onions.
- Maryland Crab Cakes put emphasis on the quality of the crab meat, while New England Crab Cakes put emphasis on the flavor of the crab cake.
Conclusion
Crab cakes are a beloved delicacy, but there are significant differences between Maryland Crab Cakes and New England Crab Cakes. While Maryland Crab Cakes put emphasis on the quality of the crab meat, New England Crab Cakes put emphasis on the flavor of the crab cake. Thus, Maryland Crab Cakes are more crab-heavy than New England Crab Cakes. Both styles of crab cakes are delicious in their own way, and it all depends on your personal preference. So, the next time you are in the mood for some crab cakes, try both styles and decide which one you like the best!