Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle? Then look no further! This Ina Garten crab cake recipe is your ticket to a delicious, easy, and impressive seafood dinner. These crab cakes are perfectly seasoned, wonderfully textured, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Crabmeat: Gently pick through the lump crabmeat to remove any remaining shell fragments. This step is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable texture in your homemade cooking.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the crabmeat, mayonnaise, onion, red bell pepper, egg, panko bread crumbs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the delicate texture of the crab.
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Shape the Crab Cakes: Using a spatula or your hands, gently form the mixture into 4-6 patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
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Cook the Crab Cakes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the crab cakes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Don't overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook them in batches.
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Serve: Serve the crab cakes immediately with lemon wedges. They're delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a side of your favorite vegetables or a simple salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Crab Cakes:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing will result in tough crab cakes. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
- Use good quality crabmeat: The flavor of the crabmeat will be the star of the show, so invest in high-quality lump crabmeat.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the crab cakes in batches ensures even cooking and prevents them from steaming instead of browning.
Variations:
- Spicy Crab Cakes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Crab Cakes: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for added flavor and aroma.
- 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 and easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this Ina Garten inspired crab cake recipe is a perfect example of that. Enjoy!