When the aroma of savory crab cakes wafts through the air, it’s like music to your taste buds. Picture this: golden-brown crab cakes broiled to perfection, crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Each bite bursts with ocean-fresh flavor, mingling with a hint of zesty lime and aromatic herbs. air fried shrimp scampi Trust me; these broiled crab cakes are not just a dish; they are an experience that beckons you to take a seat at the table.
Remember those warm summer evenings spent at the beach? The sound of waves crashing in the background while you devoured delicious seafood delights? That’s precisely what this recipe brings back to life! Perfect for gatherings, casual dinners, or even when you’re simply feeling fancy at home, these crab cakes are bound to impress anyone lucky enough to join you. perfect picnic coleslaw.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These broiled crab cakes offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will leave your guests raving.
- You can whip them up quickly, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Their golden color and crispy texture make them visually appealing and appetizing.
- Versatile enough for appetizers or a main course, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy them!
Ingredients for Broiled Crab Cakes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Crab Meat: Opt for lump crab meat if possible; it adds a sweet flavor and nice texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture while adding some crunch.
- Mayonnaise: A must-have for moisture; it also enhances the cake’s richness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the crab perfectly.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors and makes everything pop.
- Green Onion: Chopped green onions add a fresh bite and lovely color to your crab cakes.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives an aromatic lift; feel free to substitute parsley if you’re not a fan.
- Egg: One egg helps bind everything together so that your cakes hold their shape while cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Broiled Crab Cakes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients together on your kitchen counter. This not only saves time but also keeps you organized.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine the fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped green onion, cilantro, and egg. Stir gently until everything is well mixed without breaking up too many crab pieces.
Step 3: Form the Cakes
With clean hands (no one likes dirty crab cakes), shape about one-third cup of the mixture into patties. Make sure they are compact enough so they don’t fall apart during cooking.
Step 4: Preheat Your Broiler
Set your oven’s broiler to high and let it preheat for about five minutes. While waiting, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 5: Broil Away
Place your shaped crab cakes on the lined baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for about six minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Carefully transfer them onto plates. Garnish with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice if you desire for that extra zing. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Now sit back and watch as everyone devours these scrumptious broiled crab cakes faster than you can say “seafood delight!” Enjoy!
You Must Know
- These broiled crab cakes are not just a culinary delight; they are a game changer for any gathering.
- Their crispy exterior and tender inside will impress your guests, making every bite memorable.
- Perfect for appetizers or main dishes, these cakes steal the show every time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by mixing your crab cake ingredients thoroughly. Form the cakes and chill them for at least 30 minutes. Broil them for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve that golden-brown perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your taste! Try adding different herbs or spices like Old Bay seasoning, or even some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Customize your dipping sauce too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover broiled crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them under the broiler for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly moist crab cakes, avoid overmixing your ingredients; gently fold them together.
- Use fresh crab meat whenever possible; it makes a world of difference in flavor.
- Chill your formed cakes before broiling to help them hold their shape while cooking.
Sharing my first attempt at broiled crab cakes always brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone devoured them in seconds! The compliments still echo in my ears!
FAQs:
What are the best types of crab meat for broiled crab cakes?
When preparing broiled crab cakes, the best types of crab meat to use are lump and backfin crab meat. Lump crab meat offers large, tender chunks that maintain their texture during cooking. Backfin is slightly smaller but still flavorful, making it an excellent choice for mixing. Avoid using imitation crab as it lacks the rich flavor and quality of real crab. For a more sustainable option, consider sourcing your crab from local fisheries or certified sustainable farms.
How do I ensure my broiled crab cakes don’t fall apart?
To prevent your broiled crab cakes from falling apart, it’s crucial to use the right binding agents. Incorporate eggs and breadcrumbs into your mixture as they help hold everything together. Avoid overmixing the ingredients, as this can break down the crab meat and make it mushy. Chilling the formed cakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking will also help them firm up, ensuring they stay intact while broiling.
Can I make broiled crab cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare broiled crab cakes ahead of time. After mixing your ingredients, form them into patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing the uncooked patties. Just ensure to thaw them in the refrigerator before you cook them for even results.
What should I serve with my broiled crab cakes?
Broiled crab cakes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. A fresh salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements their rich flavor and adds brightness to your meal. You can also serve them alongside coleslaw or a zesty remoulade sauce for dipping. sweet potato salad for summer For a complete meal, consider adding roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes to round out the dish.
Conclusion for Broiled Crab Cakes:
Broiled crab cakes are a delicious seafood dish that can impress any crowd. By selecting high-quality crab meat and using proper binding techniques, you can create perfectly shaped cakes that hold together well. Preparing them ahead of time makes hosting easy and stress-free. simple crab cakes recipe Serve these delightful treats with fresh sides to enhance their flavors further. Enjoy this recipe as part of your culinary repertoire, and savor every bite! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Shrimp Recipe recipe.
Broiled Crab Cakes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately six crab cakes 1x
Description
Broiled crab cakes are a delightful seafood dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. These golden-brown treats feature tender crab meat, zesty lime juice, and aromatic herbs, making them perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and watch your guests savor this irresistible culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients in one place for efficiency.
- In a large bowl, mix the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, green onions, cilantro, and egg until well combined.
- Shape about one-third cup of the mixture into compact patties using clean hands.
- Preheat your broiler on high and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the crab cakes on the lined sheet and broil for approximately 6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with garnishes like cilantro or lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Seafood/Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chill the formed cakes for at least 30 minutes before broiling to help them maintain their shape. For added flavor, consider mixing in Old Bay seasoning or diced jalapeños. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat under the broiler for crispiness.
