Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these succulent Dungeness crab cakes! Packed with the sweet, delicate flavor of fresh Dungeness crab, these crab cakes are a true taste of the Pacific Northwest, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated weekend brunch. This recipe provides a simple, homemade approach to creating restaurant-quality crab cakes without the fuss. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe for delicious dishes!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh Dungeness crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Olive oil for cooking
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Crab: Gently flake the Dungeness crab meat, removing any remaining shells or cartilage. This step is crucial for a smooth texture in your final crab cake.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, egg, bread crumbs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crab cakes tough. The goal is to just combine the ingredients.
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Shape the Cakes: Using your hands, gently form the mixture into 4-6 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
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Cook the Crab Cakes: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the crab cakes in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking and crispy edges.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired. These crab cakes are wonderful served with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce – tartar sauce is a classic pairing!
Tips for Perfect Crab Cakes:
- Use fresh crab meat: The quality of your crab meat significantly impacts the flavor of your crab cakes. Fresh Dungeness crab is ideal, but high-quality frozen crab can also be used.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the crab cakes tough. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to your preference.
- For crispier crab cakes: You can add a little more bread crumbs or even pulse some panko bread crumbs in a food processor for a finer texture that crisps nicely.
Variations:
- Spicy Crab Cakes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herby Crab Cakes: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley into the mixture for added flavor and aroma.
- Creamy Crab Cakes: For a richer crab cake, increase the mayonnaise slightly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy recipe delivers a healthy meal packed with protein and flavor. These Dungeness crab cakes are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking adventures. Enjoy this delicious dish, perfect for any occasion!