If you're a seafood lover or just love food, you must try the 1 Piece Maryland Style Crab Cakes. These delicious cakes are a popular seafood dish in Maryland, America. Each serving packs 240 calories, making it a perfect meal for a healthy diet.
These crab cakes are made with fresh crab meat, mixed with eggs, breadcrumbs, and the secret ingredient - Old Bay Seasoning. The mixture is then formed into patties and fried until golden brown. The result is a mouth-watering, crispy, and savory dish that you can't resist.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Maryland Style Crab Cakes, from its preparation, nutritional information, serving suggestions, and health benefits.
What are Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
Maryland Style Crab Cakes are a popular seafood dish that originated in Maryland, USA. They are made with fresh crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. The most common spice used in Maryland is the Old Bay Seasoning. The crab cakes are fried until they are crispy on the outside, while the inside remains moist and flavorful. Marylanders take their crab cakes seriously and believe that the best crab cakes should have a perfect balance of seasoning and crab meat. Maryland Style Crab Cakes are best served with various dipping sauces such as tartar sauce, hot sauce, or a simple squeeze of lemon. They also go well with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
How are Maryland Style Crab Cakes Made?
To make Maryland Style Crab Cakes, you will need fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay Seasoning. You can also add some chopped onions, parsley, or celery for extra flavor. In a large bowl, mix the crab meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay Seasoning. Stir well until everything is well-combined. Form the mixture into patties and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set. Finally, fry the patties in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve the crab cakes hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
What Makes Maryland Style Crab Cakes Special?
Maryland Style Crab Cakes are special because of their unique flavor and texture. The use of Old Bay Seasoning is what sets them apart from other crab cakes. This special blend of spices, including celery salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaves, gives the crab cakes a distinct flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the crab meat. The use of fresh crab meat is also a distinguishing factor. This high-quality ingredient ensures that the crab cakes have a sweet and succulent taste that is unmatched by other seafood dishes. Finally, the crispy outer layer and the moist and flavorful center deliver an exceptional eating experience that you won't forget.
One serving (113g) of Maryland Style Crab Cakes contains approximately 240 calories, 15g of fat, 23g of protein, 6g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, 2g of sugar, and 95mg of cholesterol. The crab cakes are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium. However, they are high in sodium, so it's important to consume them in moderation.
How to Serve Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
Maryland Style Crab Cakes are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some suggestions: - Serve the crab cakes hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as tartar sauce, hot sauce, or a simple squeeze of lemon. - Add the crab cakes on top of a salad for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Different Types of Crab Cakes
There are many variations of crab cakes, depending on the region and the chef's preference. Some types of crab cakes include: - Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes: Similar to Maryland Style Crab Cakes, but with more emphasis on the crab meat, and less on the breadcrumbs. - Cajun Crab Cakes: A spicy version of the crab cake, with Cajun seasoning and peppers.
Top Places to Try Maryland Style Crab Cakes
If you're in Maryland, here are some of the top places to try the best Maryland Style Crab Cakes: - Faidley Seafood: Located in Baltimore, Faidley Seafood has been serving crab cakes for over 100 years. - G&M Restaurant: A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, G&M Restaurant is known for its jumbo lump crab cakes.
Tips for Making the Perfect Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Making the perfect Maryland Style Crab Cakes takes practice, but here are some tips to help you get started: - Use fresh, high-quality crab meat for the best taste and texture. Avoid using canned crab meat or other seafood substitutes. - Don't overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough and dry crab cakes.
Health Benefits of Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Maryland Style Crab Cakes are not only delicious but also provide several health benefits. Here are some of them: - High in protein: Crab meat is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the heart, brain, and eyes.
Maryland Style Crab Cakes vs. Other Crab Cakes
While there are many variations of crab cakes, Maryland Style Crab Cakes are unique in their own way. Here are some differences between Maryland Style Crab Cakes and other crab cakes: - Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes: Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes have a higher ratio of crab meat to breadcrumbs, giving them a more delicate texture. - Louisiana Crab Cakes: Louisiana Crab Cakes are spicier, with added Cajun seasoning and peppers.
“You cannot get an omelet without breaking eggs, you cannot get reform without process.” – Vladimir Lenin
FAQs About Maryland Style Crab Cakes
1. What are Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
Maryland Style Crab Cakes are a type of seafood dish made using crab meat as the primary ingredient and are considered a delicacy in the state of Maryland, USA. They typically feature minimal filler or breading and are seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, a classic blend of herbs and spices that is synonymous with Chesapeake Bay cuisine.
2. How many calories are in a serving of Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
A single piece of Maryland Style Crab Cakes contains around 240 calories.
3. What is the best way to cook Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
There are several methods you can use to cook your Maryland Style Crab Cakes, including baking, pan-frying, broiling, or grilling. The best method may depend on your personal preference, but baking or broiling are typically healthier options than frying. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions provided with your particular recipe or packaged product for best results.
4. Can I freeze Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
Yes, you can freeze Maryland Style Crab Cakes for later use. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. To use later, simply thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking as desired.
5. What are some side dishes that go well with Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
Some popular side dishes to serve with Maryland Style Crab Cakes include coleslaw, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, corn on the cob, or rice pilaf. Pair with a cold beer or crisp white wine for a refreshing and satisfying meal.