1 crab cake (71 g) Crab Cakes 210 calories. If you're a seafood lover, then you're probably familiar with crab cakes. These tasty treats can be a delicious appetizer, meal, or snack. However, if you're concerned about your diet or trying to lose weight, you might be wondering if crab cakes are a healthy choice. Fortunately, we have nutritional information to help you make an informed decision.

A single 71g crab cake contains 210 calories. It also has 13 grams of protein, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat. Additionally, crab cakes contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, and calcium. However, they can also be high in sodium and cholesterol.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional information of crab cakes, their health benefits, and ways to prepare and pair them with other foods.

Calories in Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a relatively high-calorie food, with a single cake containing around 210 calories. If you're on a diet or trying to lose weight, you might want to consider the calorie count before indulging in this seafood delicacy. It's worth noting that the calorie count can vary based on the size and ingredients of the crab cake. Some recipes might add breadcrumbs or other fillers, which can increase the calorie count. However, if you're making your own crab cakes, you can control the ingredients and keep an eye on the calorie count.

Protein in Crab Cakes

While crab cakes might be high in calories, they are also a good source of protein. A single 71g crab cake contains around 13 grams of protein. This can be beneficial for those who are looking to increase their protein intake, as protein can help improve muscle mass and aid in weight loss. However, it's important to note that protein content can vary depending on the recipe or type of crab cake. Some recipes might add more filler ingredients instead of crab, which can lower the protein content. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, make sure to choose crab cakes made with real crab meat.

Carbs in Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are relatively low in carbohydrates, with a single cake containing around 10 grams of carbs. This can make them a good choice for those who are following a low-carb diet or watching their carb intake. However, as mentioned earlier, some recipes might include breadcrumbs or other fillers, which can increase the carb count. If you're watching your carb intake, make sure to check the ingredients list before indulging in crab cakes.

Fat in Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are relatively high in fat, with a single cake containing around 15 grams of fat. However, not all fats are created equal. Crab meat is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for heart health and brain function. It's important to note that the type of fat used in different crab cake recipes can vary. Some recipes might use vegetable oil or other less-healthy oils, which can increase the saturated fat content of the crab cake. If you're concerned about the fat content of your crab cakes, consider making them at home using healthy oils and ingredients.

Sodium in Crab Cakes

Crab cakes can be high in sodium, with a single cake containing around 400 milligrams of sodium. This can be a concern for those who are watching their salt intake or have high blood pressure. To reduce the sodium content of your crab cakes, try using low-sodium crab meat and other ingredients. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to add flavor without adding extra sodium.

Cholesterol in Crab Cakes

Crab cakes can also be high in cholesterol, with a single cake containing around 85 milligrams of cholesterol. This can be a concern for those who are watching their cholesterol levels. To reduce the cholesterol content of your crab cakes, try using egg substitutes or egg whites in place of whole eggs. You can also experiment with different filler ingredients, like vegetables or quinoa, to reduce the amount of crab meat used in the recipe.

Vitamins and Minerals in Crab Cakes

Crab cakes can be a good source of vitamins and minerals. Crab meat is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Vitamin C can help boost the immune system and improve skin health, while iron is important for healthy blood cells and energy production. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth. Additionally, some recipes might include other ingredients that are high in vitamins and minerals, like spinach or sweet potatoes. By including these ingredients in your crab cakes, you can boost their nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Crab Cakes

While crab cakes might not be the healthiest option out there, they do have some health benefits. As mentioned earlier, crab meat is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help improve muscle mass, aid in weight loss, and promote heart and brain health. Additionally, crab meat is low in calories and carbs, which can make it a good choice for those who are trying to lose weight or follow a low-carb diet.

Ways to Prepare Crab Cakes

Crab cakes can be prepared in a variety of ways. Some common cooking methods include frying, baking, or broiling. If you're looking for a healthier cooking method, try broiling your crab cakes. This method can help reduce the fat content of the crab cakes and give them a crispy texture. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to add flavor without adding extra calories or sodium.

Pairing Ideas for Crab Cakes

Crab cakes can be paired with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
• Grilled corn or sweet potato chips
• Tartar sauce or remoulade
• Hot sauce or Sriracha