Description
Delectable Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle blend coastal Carolina flavors with irresistible cheesy goodness. Seafood enthusiasts will savor these golden-brown delights that promise a mouthwatering journey through rich, zesty marine cuisine you can’t resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Cheese and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (or substitute with seasoned breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
Lemon Butter Drizzle:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Craft a delicate blend of fresh crab meat with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed biscuit mix in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a gentle and careful incorporation of ingredients.
- Introduce mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and optional cayenne for enhanced flavor profile. Fold ingredients gently without compressing the delicate mixture.
- Meticulously form 8-10 uniform patties, maintaining a light touch to preserve the crab’s tender texture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes at 40°F to stabilize the cakes’ structure.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F), melting butter to create a golden cooking surface. Carefully place crab cakes into the pan, allowing 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, bronzed exterior.
- Transfer cooked crab cakes onto paper towels to absorb excess oil, preserving their crisp texture.
- Whisk melted butter with fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, honey, and a delicate pinch of salt to create a vibrant, tangy drizzle.
- Plate the golden crab cakes and generously cascade the luminous lemon butter sauce over the top. Optionally garnish with additional fresh parsley for a final aromatic touch.
Notes
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain delicate crab meat texture, preventing tough, dense cakes.
- Chilling patties before cooking helps them hold shape and prevents breaking during pan-frying.
- Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free mix for celiac-friendly version, ensuring same crispy exterior.
- For lighter option, bake crab cakes at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of pan-frying, reducing overall fat content.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg