Dreamy Crab And Shrimp Cakes Recipe: Crispy Coastal Delight

Seafood enthusiasts rejoice over these delectable crab and shrimp cakes that blend ocean-fresh flavors with crispy, golden textures.

These mouthwatering cakes deliver a perfect balance of delicate seafood and savory seasonings.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of succulent crab and tender shrimp, expertly mixed with herbs and spices.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer or main course that impresses at any gathering.

Crisp edges and a tender interior make these seafood cakes irresistibly delicious.

Packed with rich maritime flavors, these cakes are sure to become a new favorite on your culinary rotation.

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this simple yet sophisticated seafood sensation.

Storing Crab and Shrimp Cakes for Later

• Store leftover crab and shrimp cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy texture.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my crab and shrimp cakes from falling apart?

Gently mix ingredients and avoid overmixing. Refrigerate patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape. Use a light touch when forming patties and when flipping them in the skillet.

• Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute crab or shrimp with other seafood like salmon, white fish, or even canned tuna. Just ensure the seafood is fresh and well-drained to maintain the right consistency.

• What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

Create a substitute by mixing paprika, celery salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and dried thyme. If you don’t have all those spices, a simple mix of paprika and salt can work as a basic replacement.

Why Crab and Shrimp Cakes Stand Out at Any Table

• Combines two beloved ocean treasures – crab and shrimp – into one mouthwatering cake, creating a unique and exciting flavor profile that seafood lovers will adore.
• Simple preparation steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, with straightforward ingredients and clear instructions that guarantee delicious results every time.
• Adaptable recipe allows quick modifications like adjusting seasonings, using alternative herbs, or pairing with different side dishes, making it versatile for various dining preferences and occasions.
• Restaurant-quality seafood dish that looks sophisticated but requires minimal culinary expertise, allowing home chefs to create gourmet-style appetizers or main courses with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Flavorful Crab and Shrimp Cakes

• Lump Crab Meat: A delicate and sweet seafood protein that forms the primary texture of the cakes.
• Chopped Shrimp: A complementary seafood that adds depth and additional texture to the mixture.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: A light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumb that helps hold the cakes together.
• Egg: Serves as a binding agent to keep the seafood mixture cohesive.
• Mayonnaise: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients while adding richness.

• Green Onions, Red Bell Pepper, Parsley: Fresh vegetables that contribute color, crunch, and bright flavor profiles.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp taste to the mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings depth and umami flavor to the seafood cakes.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood spice blend that provides traditional maritime flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle background warmth and aromatic essence.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the seafood cakes to achieve a golden crispy exterior.
• Flour: Provides a light coating that helps create a crisp crust when frying.

• Mayonnaise, Lemon Juice, Capers, Dill Pickle, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Dill: Ingredients that create a tangy and herbaceous accompaniment to the seafood cakes.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasonings to adjust the tartar sauce's flavor.

• Lemon Wedges: Fresh citrus to brighten the dish and provide a zesty accent.

Tools for Mixing and Frying Seafood Cakes

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all crab cake ingredients gently.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for forming and chilling patties before cooking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents patties from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for achieving golden-brown crust.
• Whisk: Helps blend tartar sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl: Ideal for preparing tartar sauce.
• Spatula: Helps flip cakes carefully in the skillet.
• Paper towels: Absorbs excess oil after frying cakes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Cooking Crispy Crab and Shrimp Cakes at Home

Step 1: Blend Seafood Mixture

• Panko bread crumbs
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Green onions
• Red bell pepper
• Parsley
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Old Bay seasoning
• Garlic powder

Gently fold everything together, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Patties

Craft beautiful seafood cakes by forming the mixture into 8-10 uniform patties.

Make each patty about half an inch thick.

Place them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape perfectly.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Tartar Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Capers
• Dill pickle
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh dill

Season with salt and pepper.

Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Lightly dust each patty with flour, shaking off excess.

Fry the cakes in batches, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Work in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Transfer the crispy cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.

Serve piping hot alongside the homemade tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges.

Complement with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Seafood Cake Tips for Tender, Golden Results

• Combine ingredients delicately to preserve the delicate texture of crab and shrimp, preventing the seafood from becoming tough or breaking apart during preparation.
• Refrigerating patties before cooking helps them hold their shape, prevents crumbling, and allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Lightly dredging patties in flour creates a crispy golden exterior while helping the cakes maintain their structure during frying.
• Fry cakes in small batches to ensure even cooking and maintain the ideal crispy texture without overcrowding the skillet.
• Use the freshest crab and shrimp possible for the most delicious and authentic flavor in your seafood cakes.

Fresh Twists for Crab and Shrimp Cakes

• Gluten-Free Seafood Cakes: Replace panko bread crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Seafood Patties: Swap Old Bay seasoning with za'atar, add feta cheese, and incorporate chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Seafood Cakes: Use crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs and skip flour dredging. Serve with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Cakes: Kick up heat by adding cayenne pepper, replacing Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard, and mixing in diced jalapeños for a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Crab and Shrimp Cakes Like a Pro

• Fresh Salad Crunch: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich seafood cakes.
• Beach-Style Plating: Arrange crab and shrimp cakes on a rustic wooden board with scattered lemon wedges, sprinkled herbs, and a ramekin of tartar sauce for a stunning presentation.
• Veggie Roasted Medley: Prepare a colorful roasted vegetable side with zucchini, asparagus, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and herbs to complement the seafood's delicate flavors.

Crab And Shrimp Cakes Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maryland-style crab and shrimp cakes deliver coastal cuisine perfection with delicate seafood, crisp breadcrumbs, and zesty seasoning. Skilled home chefs can craft restaurant-quality appetizers that promise delicious ocean-inspired flavors in each golden-brown bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood Ingredients:

• 0.5 pound (227 grams) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tartar Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately fold together lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, panko crumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onions, red bell pepper, parsley, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. Gently intermingle ingredients, ensuring uniform distribution without crushing delicate seafood. Season with salt and pepper to calibrate flavor profile.
2. Carefully craft mixture into 8-10 uniform patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Arrange patties on parchment-lined baking sheet, then refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to solidify structural integrity and enhance binding.
3. Craft accompanying tartar sauce by whisking mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, dill pickle, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper. Seal and chill until serving moment arrives.
4. Preheat large skillet with olive oil to medium-high temperature (approximately 375°F). Delicately coat each patty with flour, removing excess. Fry seafood cakes in rotating batches, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until achieving golden-crisp exterior and complete internal cooking. Manage skillet space to prevent overcrowding, supplementing oil as required.
5. Transition cooked cakes onto paper towel-lined surface for excess oil absorption. Present piping hot seafood cakes accompanied by chilled tartar sauce and zesty lemon wedges. Complement with verdant salad or roasted vegetable medley for balanced dining experience.

Notes

• Gentle Mixing Matters: Treat the seafood delicately when combining ingredients to preserve the tender texture of crab and shrimp, preventing the mixture from becoming dense or tough.
• Chilling Is Crucial: Refrigerating the patties helps them hold together during cooking, reducing the chance of falling apart in the skillet.
• Flour Coating Tip: Lightly dredging in flour creates a crispy exterior and helps the cakes develop a beautiful golden-brown color while sealing in moisture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version, or use almond flour for a low-carb alternative that maintains the recipe’s delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg