Crab cakes are a classic dish that highlights the sweet and delicate flavor of crab meat. Among the many recipes, the Original Old Bay Crab Cakes stand out for their unique blend of spices, particularly the famed Old Bay seasoning. This dish is loved for its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful inside, making it a perfect appetizer or main course.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Original Old Bay Crab Cakes at home is not only rewarding, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a delicious seafood dish, these crab cakes are sure to impress. Plus, they’re relatively simple to make and require minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.
How to Make Original Old Bay Crab Cakes
Ingredients:
- 2 slices dried bread, crusts removed
- 1 pound crab meat
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped bread, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, and bell pepper. Mix gently to avoid breaking the crab meat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
How to Serve Original Old Bay Crab Cakes
You can serve these crab cakes as an appetizer or main dish. They pair wonderfully with a tangy tartar sauce, spicy remoulade, or a simple squeeze of lemon juice. You can also place them on a bed of greens for a fresh salad option.
How to Store Original Old Bay Crab Cakes
To store leftover crab cakes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Original Old Bay Crab Cakes
- Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor. If using canned crab meat, make sure to drain it well to avoid adding extra moisture.
- Don’t overmix the crab cake mixture to keep the patties tender.
- For extra crunch, you can add breadcrumbs to the mixture or coat the patties in breadcrumbs before frying.
Variation
For a twist, you can add different herbs and spices to the crab cake mixture, such as parsley or cilantro. You can also use different peppers, like jalapeños for a spicy kick or add a bit of shredded cheese for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make crab cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab cake mixture and form the patties ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate until you are ready to cook.
2. What type of crab meat should I use?
You can use lump crab meat for larger chunks or claw meat for a more affordable option. Always choose fresh or pasteurized crab meat when possible.
3. How do I keep my crab cakes from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients gently and let the patties chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Original Old Bay Crab Cakes
Ingredients
Crab Cake Mixture
- 2 slices dried bread, crusts removed
- 1 pound crab meat Use fresh or pasteurized crab meat for the best flavor.
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking
- Oil for frying Use an adequate amount for frying.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped bread, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, and bell pepper. Mix gently to avoid breaking the crab meat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the mixture into patties.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
