Certainly! Carolina Crab Cakes are a classic and delicious dish that brings together the sweet, succulent flavors of crab meat with a blend of herbs and spices to create a delightful culinary experience. This recipe, hailing from the coastal regions of Carolina, is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both a fancy dinner party and a simple weeknight meal. Let’s delve into the details of this mouthwatering recipe.
Carolina Crab Cakes Recipe
Description
Make and share this Carolina Crab Cakes recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of lump crabmeat with the freshness of lemon, herbs, and spices, resulting in a tantalizing treat that is both elegant and easy to prepare.
Recipe Category
Crab
Keywords
- < 15 Mins
- Small Appliance
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 1440.6 kcal
- Fat Content: 133.8 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 29.1 g
- Cholesterol Content: 253.7 mg
- Sodium Content: 1095.3 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 9.5 g
- Fiber Content: 2.9 g
- Sugar Content: 1.1 g
- Protein Content: 53.6 g
Servings
2
Ingredients
- 1 cup lump crabmeat
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried chervil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped chives
- 3-4 capers
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 scallion, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
-
Mixing the Crab Mixture:
- Gently combine the lump crabmeat, lemon juice, dried chervil, black pepper, and heavy cream in a mixing bowl. Be careful not to break up the crabmeat too much; you want to retain some chunks for texture.
-
Preparing the Cream Mixture:
- In a food processor, whip the heavy cream, chives, and capers together until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
-
Combining Mixtures:
- Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the crab mixture. Be sure to do this carefully to maintain the integrity of the crabmeat.
-
Forming the Cakes:
- Divide the mixture into two equal portions and form each portion into a patty or cake shape.
-
Coating with Breadcrumbs:
- Lightly coat each crab cake with breadcrumbs. This will give them a nice, crispy exterior when cooked.
-
Sautéing the Crab Cakes:
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the crab cakes and sauté until they are golden brown on each side, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
-
Serving:
- Serve the crab cakes over a bed of rice and collard greens for a traditional Southern touch.
-
Drizzling with Vinaigrette:
- Drizzle the crab cakes with whole grain mustard vinaigrette for added flavor and a bit of tang.
Tips and Variations
- Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient and often more potent, using fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and chervil can enhance the flavor even more. If using fresh, consider doubling the quantity to achieve the same intensity.
- Breadcrumb Options: Panko breadcrumbs can be used for an extra crunchy texture. Alternatively, for a gluten-free version, try using finely ground almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Additional Flavors: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Vinaigrette Variation: The whole grain mustard vinaigrette can be made by whisking together 2 tablespoons of whole grain mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Culinary Insights
Carolina Crab Cakes are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Carolinas, where seafood is a staple and crabmeat is revered for its delicate sweetness. The combination of crab with lemon juice and herbs creates a balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and savory. The use of heavy cream adds a luxurious texture, while the breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch.
The simplicity of this recipe, with its minimal ingredients and quick preparation time, makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Despite its ease, the dish is impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or special occasion, showcasing the beautiful flavors of the sea.
Health Considerations
While this recipe is rich in calories and fat, much of the fat content comes from the healthy fats in olive oil and the crabmeat itself, which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Crabmeat is also high in protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
For those watching their calorie intake, the portion size can be adjusted, and the heavy cream can be replaced with a lighter alternative such as Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream.
Conclusion
Carolina Crab Cakes are a delightful dish that marries the sweet, tender flavors of crab with the zesty freshness of lemon and herbs. Quick to prepare and cook, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a simple family meal to a sophisticated dinner party. Serve it over rice and collard greens with a drizzle of whole grain mustard vinaigrette, and you have a dish that is sure to impress and satisfy.
Enjoy this taste of the Carolinas and share the love of cooking with friends and family by making these exquisite crab cakes a part of your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
