Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This recipe for best broiled crab cakes will become your new go-to for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner. These crab cakes are packed with succulent crab meat, a touch of spice, and a perfectly crispy exterior, all achieved with the simplicity of broiling. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
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Prep the Crab Meat: Gently pick through the crab meat to remove any remaining shell fragments. This step is crucial for a smooth, delicious crab cake.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crab cakes tough.
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Add Breadcrumbs: Stir in the breadcrumbs until the mixture is just moist enough to hold its shape. Again, avoid overmixing.
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Form the Cakes: Gently shape the crab mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of butter.
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Broil the Crab Cakes: Place the crab cakes on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter. Broil for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
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Serve Immediately: Serve the broiled crab cakes immediately with lemon wedges.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crab Cakes:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the crab cake mixture will result in tough crab cakes. Gently combine the ingredients until just moistened.
- High-Quality Crab Meat: Using lump crab meat ensures the best flavor and texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a wonderfully crispy exterior.
- Watch Closely While Broiling: Broilers vary in intensity; keep a close eye on your crab cakes to avoid burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Crab Cakes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herby Crab Cakes: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for an added layer of flavor.
- Creamy Crab Cakes: Add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or crème fraîche to the mixture for extra richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This delicious recipe for broiled crab cakes is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and relatively quick meal that's sure to impress. Enjoy!