Maryland-Style Imitation Crab Cakes
Craving crab cakes on a budget? These Maryland-style recipes with imitation crab are the answer! Easy, flavorful, and ready in 35 minutes. Get the recipe now!
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving crab cakes? but then you see the price of real crab? oh my gosh, right? so, let's talk recipes with imitation crab .
These maryland-style imitation crab cakes with lemon-dill aioli are the answer! they give you that delicious crab cake flavor without the crazy cost.
These aren't just any crab cakes. they're inspired by the flavors of the chesapeake bay. it's like a little east coast vacation for your taste buds! don't worry, though, they are totally doable.
Ready in just 35 minutes, even beginners can nail it. this recipe makes about 4 servings. think appetizer, light lunch, or even a fancy-ish dinner.
Why These Imitation Crab Cakes Rock
Okay, so what's the big deal? first, seafood is pretty good for you. imitation crab has protein! plus, these are amazing for a summer bbq or a casual get-together with friends.
Honestly, the lemon-dill aioli just elevates everything. it's what makes these crab delights recipes special.
Ready to dig in? Let's talk ingredients.
Ingredients For Your Fake It 'Til You Make It Crab Cakes
For the Imitation Crab Cakes:
- Grab one pound of imitation crab meat
- Dice 1/4 cup yellow onion
- Finely chop 1/4 cup celery
- Get 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Whisk one large egg
- Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Pour in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Add 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Get 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Grab 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
For the Lemon-Dill Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Quick Tips to Nail the Crab Cakes
Don't overmix. seriously, gentle hands are key. also, chilling the crab cakes for 30 minutes before cooking makes them even better.
Finally, quality matters. get the best imitation crab you can find. it makes a huge difference. so you can try other imitated crab recipes healthy , but this one is fool proof, i promise.
So, gather your ingredients. And let's get cooking some killer recipes with imitation crab !
Alright, let’s get down to business. We're making imitation crab cakes. They're super tasty. Plus, they won't empty your wallet. Maryland-style, here we come!
Maryland-Style Imitation Crab Cakes Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment
Let’s gather our bits and bobs.
Main Ingredients
- Imitation Crab: 1 pound (454g) . Look for a sweet, firm kind. You know, not the rubbery stuff.
- Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely chopped.
- Celery: 1/4 cup (15g) , also finely chopped.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Full-fat is best. Honestly, it makes a difference.
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Old Bay Seasoning: 1 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) , plus extra. We use these for coating.
- Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , for frying. Olive or vegetable work great.
Seasoning Notes
Old bay is key, right? it’s a must. if you haven’t got any, celery salt, paprika, and mustard powder will do.
Just a pinch of cayenne, too. it adds a little something special.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowls: One big, one small.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board and knife.
- Whisk.
- Frying Pan: A large skillet is ideal.
- Spatula: To flip those cakes!
Honestly, that's all you need. Nothing fancy!
Thinking about recipes with imitation crab ? this is a good one. especially if you are trying to make a crab salad recipe .
Or crab pasta salad . and if you want a keto crab recipe , just use almond flour for coating. super easy, yeah? even makes for great seafood snackers recipes .
You can even make crab sushi using the same ingredients. i’ve used this imitation crab for all sorts of things.
Even breakfast ideas with crab meat if you are feeling really adventurous. this recipe works great if you are trying to find recipes with crab meat easy .
Alright, let's dive into making some seriously tasty maryland-style imitation crab cakes with lemon-dill aioli . i promise, they're easier than saying the whole name! these are perfect if you're craving that crab cocktail vibe but don't want to sell your car to afford real crab.
Plus, these could easily become your go to seafood snackers recipes .
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps
First, the mise en place is crucial. chop your onion and celery finely. get your spices measured out. have everything ready to go.
This helps with avoiding the classic "oh my gosh, i'm missing what ?!" moment halfway through. honestly, good prep saves time and sanity.
Got imitation crab? Flake it up! This ensures even distribution of crabby goodness. A little tip from yours truly: Keep raw ingredients separate from each other. Keep your counter clean.
Essential Mise en Place:
- Flake or chop 1 pound of imitation crab.
- Finely chop 1/4 cup yellow onion and 1/4 cup celery.
- Measure out all the spices and sauces.
Crabby Cakes: Step-by-Step to Deliciousness
Now, the fun begins! I've simplified this so it's practically foolproof.
- Make the Aioli: Whisk together mayo, lemon juice, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill this.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix flaked imitation crab, onion, celery, mayo, egg, Dijon, Worcestershire, Old Bay, and pepper.
- Add Panko: Gently fold in panko breadcrumbs until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Shape Cakes: Form into four equal patties. About 1 inch thick and 3 inches wide.
- Coat in Panko: Lightly coat each patty with more panko.
- Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook 4- 5 minutes per side. Until golden brown.
- Serve it up! : Serve immediately with your lemon-dill aioli.
Pro Tips for Crabby Cake Perfection
Here's my secret sauce. Don't skip these!
- Don't overmix! Seriously, I said it twice. Overmixing toughens the cakes. Handle it like a precious baby bird.
- For the best flavor, use a good quality imitation crab!
- Chill the patties! Pop the shaped patties in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. It helps them hold their shape.
And there you have it! budget-friendly and packed with flavor. you can also try it with some recipes with crab meat easy .
Enjoy! also, try other recipes with imitation crab like crab pasta salad , crab sushi , or even crab macaroni salad or try out the famous golden corral crab salad recipe imitation.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless!
Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Crab Cake Game
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty! you’ve got the recipe for these banging maryland-style imitation crab cakes , but a little extra intel never hurts, right? think of this as your cheat sheet for guaranteed success.
We’re talking recipes with imitation crab that’ll knock your socks off.
Plating Like a Pro
Presentation is everything, even if you're just making a quick snack. Honestly, a little effort goes a long way.
These crab delights recipes can be served in so many ways. try arranging three seafood snackers recipes on a plate.
Then, drizzle that tangy aioli artfully across the top. maybe a sprig of dill for garnish? boom! restaurant-worthy. some folks like to elevate their crab cocktail presentations on a bed of lettuce.
Don't be afraid to get creative.
For sides, a classic coleslaw or potato salad is always a winner. or you could opt for something lighter. how about a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette? you can also add some freshness to these recipes with crab meat easy .
Storing Like a Boss
Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any, proper storage is key. Keep those crab cakes fresh!.
Pop your cooked crab cakes into an airtight container. then, stash them in the fridge. they'll be good for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap each crab cake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to reheat, you can either bake them in a preheated oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 15 minutes, or pan-fry them again until heated through.
Just don't skip the fridge!
Remember: Bacteria are the enemy! Don't let recipes with immitation crab sit out for more than two hours.
Variations on a Theme
Feeling adventurous? Let’s spice things up, shall we? These are Recipes With Immitation Crab that you can modify.
Got a friend who's gone keto crab recipes ? swap out the panko breadcrumbs for almond flour. then you’ll have some imitatation crab recipe low carb !.
Want to add some heat? a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture will do the trick. to make some imitated crab recipes healthy , replace the mayonnaise with greek yogurt.
For a seasonal twist, use fresh herbs from your garden. chives or parsley are great substitutes for dill in the aioli.
And for fall, you can throw in a bit of pumpkin spice. honestly...
Nutrition Notes: Keepin' it Real
Okay, let’s talk nutrition. Each serving clocks in at around 350 calories. You also get a good dose of protein (20g), which is fantastic.
But keep an eye on the sodium content (around 700mg). imitation crab can be sneaky high in sodium. that's why you might want to check recipe for crab salad , and crab meat salad recipe nutrition facts.
Also, it is important to remember that this is not real crab salad recipe easy . but hey, balance is key, right? you can also get your fill of easy crab meat recipes , crab recipes easy , and imitated crab meat recipes with these crab cakes.
Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that imitation crab is often made from Alaska pollock? Mind. Blown.
Seriously, though, these crab cakes are a great way to enjoy a taste of the sea without breaking the bank.
Plus, they're incredibly easy to make. so, give them a go! get creative, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is imitation crab actually crab? I'm a bit confused.
Nope! Imitation crab, often called "surimi," is typically made from white fish (like pollock) that's been processed to mimic the look and texture of crab meat. Think of it as the hot dog of the sea - not exactly what it seems, but can be tasty in the right recipe. Just be sure to check the ingredients if you have any fish allergies.
What are some easy recipes with imitation crab besides just throwing it in a salad?
While salads are a classic, imitation crab is super versatile! Our Maryland-Style Imitation Crab Cakes are a fantastic option. You could also try using it in pasta dishes, creamy dips (think a crab rangoon dip), or even in sushi rolls for a budget-friendly California roll. Get creative – it's hard to go wrong!
How do I store leftover imitation crab cakes? And how long will they last?
Leftover crab cakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for 2-3 days. When reheating, pan-fry them gently or bake in the oven to retain their crispy texture. Microwaving tends to make them a bit soggy, which is a bit "meh," like a soggy biscuit.
Can I freeze imitation crab cakes? Before or after cooking?
You can freeze imitation crab cakes, and it's generally best to do so before cooking. Shape the patties, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll last for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Already cooked crab cakes can also be frozen, but may lose some texture.
I'm watching my sodium intake – is imitation crab a good choice?
That's a great question! Unfortunately, imitation crab can be surprisingly high in sodium. Always check the nutrition label of the specific brand you're using, as sodium content can vary significantly. If you're concerned about sodium, look for low-sodium varieties or consider using fresh or canned crab (though it'll be pricier) as a healthier alternative in your recipes with imitation crab or any other dish.
Can I add other ingredients to the crab cake mixture to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! That's the beauty of cooking. Feel free to experiment with chopped bell peppers, jalapeños for a kick, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Just remember to not over mix it, treat it like you would when folding in chocolate chips into a muffin batter.