Maryland Style Crab Cakes are a delicious seafood dish that can be enjoyed as appetizers or entrees. These delectable cakes typically weigh 2.25 oz per piece and contain around 145 calories each. While they are certainly tasty, many people wonder about the nutritional value and health benefits of consuming crab cakes.

Crab cakes contain essential minerals and vitamins, including potassium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. They are also a valuable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining heart and brain health. It's essential to note that consuming crab cakes in moderation, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can provide several health benefits to individuals.

In this article, we'll explore the calorie content of Maryland Style Crab Cakes, their nutritional value, and how to prepare them for a healthy meal option.

How Many Calories are in a Maryland Style Crab Cake?

As mentioned earlier, a single Maryland Style Crab Cake typically contains around 145 calories each. However, the calorie content may vary depending on the recipe and size of the cake. It's essential to read the label or ask the chef about the calorie content before consuming crab cakes.

What's Inside a Crab Cake?

Crab cakes typically include crab meat, bread crumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasonings like Old Bay. Some recipes may also include vegetables like red peppers and onions. It's essential to use high-quality crab meat to ensure full flavor and freshness. Make sure to read the label before purchasing crab meat and choose options that are sustainable and eco-friendly.

Is a Crab Cake Healthy?

Crab cakes are, indeed, healthy when consumed in moderation. They are an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, crab cakes can also be high in sodium and cholesterol, which can be harmful to individuals with certain health conditions. To ensure a healthier meal option, it's essential to prepare crab cakes at home using fresh ingredients and limiting the amount of salt and mayonnaise. Adding vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the mix can also increase the nutritional value and add flavor to the cakes.

How to Cook Maryland Crab Cakes?

To cook Maryland Style Crab Cakes, preheat the oven to 375°F and place the cakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, crab cakes can be pan-seared or grilled on a barbecue. It's essential to ensure that the cakes are cooked thoroughly before consuming to avoid any foodborne illness. The internal temperature of the cakes should reach at least 145°F.

What to Serve with Crab Cakes?

Maryland Style Crab Cakes can be served with a variety of side dishes, including salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or fries. They are also delicious when paired with tartar sauce or a lemon aioli. For a more substantial meal, crab cakes can be served on a bun as a crab cake sandwich. To add a bit of heat to the dish, try adding a hot sauce or a jalapeño pepper to the mix.

Can You Freeze Crab Cakes?

Yes, you can freeze crab cakes for later use. To freeze them, place each cake onto a baking sheet and freeze for an hour or until firm. Afterward, wrap each cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To prepare frozen crab cakes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frying or baking as instructed.

Crab Cake vs. Lobster Roll: Which is Healthier?

While both crab cakes and lobster rolls are delicious seafood options, crab cakes are generally considered healthier than lobster rolls. Lobster rolls are typically high in calories and saturated fats, while crab cakes are a valuable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, both dishes can be made more nutritious by using fresh ingredients and preparing them with healthy cooking methods.

How to Make Homemade Crab Cakes?

To make homemade Maryland Style Crab Cakes, you will need 1 lb of cooked crab meat, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. In a bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small cakes. Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the cakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

What to Look for When Buying Crab Cakes?

When buying crab cakes, it's essential to check the label and ensure that the cakes are made with high-quality crab meat and fresh ingredients. Look for sustainable and eco-friendly crab meat options to support ethical fishing practices. It's also important to check the calorie content and nutrition facts before purchasing crab cakes. Choose cakes that are low in sodium and cholesterol and contain essential vitamins and minerals.

Crab Cakes: The Perfect Appetizer for Parties

Maryland Style Crab Cakes are a fantastic option for appetizers at parties and gatherings. They are easy to prepare and can be served on their own or as a side dish. Crab cakes can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. To add some variety to the menu, try serving the crab cakes with different dipping sauces like sriracha aioli or sweet chili sauce. You can also swap out the crab meat for a different type of seafood like lobster or shrimp.