If you're a fan of seafood, you may have heard of Maryland-style crab cakes. These delicious cakes are a popular dish in Maryland and are made with fresh crab meat. One serving of Maryland-style crab cakes (55g) contains around 180 calories, making it a tasty and relatively low-calorie dish.
Maryland-style crab cakes are not only delicious but also packed with important nutrients. They are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. They are also a good source of vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining healthy nerve cells and blood cells.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Maryland-style crab cakes, including their ingredients, nutritional value, cooking tips, accompaniments, and more.
What are Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
Maryland-style crab cakes are a type of crab cake that originated from the state of Maryland in the United States. They are made with fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and various seasonings, such as Old Bay seasoning. Authentic Maryland-style crab cakes are typically made with blue crab meat, which is caught in the Chesapeake Bay region. However, other types of crab meat can also be used. Maryland-style crab cakes are usually pan-fried or baked, and they are often served with tartar sauce or remoulade sauce. Maryland-style crab cakes are a tasty and popular seafood dish that can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of other foods.
How many calories are in a serving of Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
One serving of Maryland-style crab cakes (55g) contains around 180 calories. However, the exact calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients used and the size of the crab cake. If you are trying to watch your calorie intake, you can opt for smaller crab cakes or choose a healthier cooking method, such as baking instead of frying.
What are the ingredients in Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
The main ingredients in Maryland-style crab cakes are fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and mustard. Additional seasonings, such as Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, may also be added for extra flavor. Some recipes may also include chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper for additional texture and flavor.
In addition to being delicious, Maryland-style crab cakes are also a healthy food choice. One serving of crab cakes (55g) contains approximately: calories: 180 Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 424mg
Cholesterol: 65mg
Vitamin D: 4mcg
Vitamin B12: 2.4mcg
Calcium: 27mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 118mg
Omega-3 fatty acids: 185mg
How to cook Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
There are several ways to cook Maryland-style crab cakes, including pan-frying, baking, and grilling. Here's a simple recipe for pan-fried crab cakes: Ingredients: 1 lb fresh crab meat
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 egg
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tbsp butter
Lemon wedges and tartar sauce, for serving
Directions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, egg, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape each portion into a patty.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
4. Add the crab cakes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve the crab cakes with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
What are the variations of Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
While the traditional Maryland-style crab cake recipe calls for blue crab meat and Old Bay seasoning, there are many variations of this dish that you can try. Here are a few ideas: 1. Asian-style crab cakes: Add soy sauce, ginger, and scallions to the crab cake mixture for an Asian twist.
2. Cajun-style crab cakes: Use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay seasoning and serve with remoulade sauce.
3. Southwest-style crab cakes: Add jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice to the crab cake mixture and serve with avocado salsa.
What are the accompaniments of Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
Maryland-style crab cakes can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas: 1. Tartar sauce or remoulade sauce
2. Lemon wedges
3. Coleslaw
4. Roasted vegetables
5. French fries
6. Salad
7. Rice
How to store leftover Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
If you have leftover Maryland-style crab cakes, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply place the crab cakes in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes. It's important to store leftover crab cakes properly to ensure that they stay fresh and safe to eat. Be sure to place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them as soon as possible after cooking.
What are the benefits of eating Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
Maryland-style crab cakes are not only delicious but also packed with important nutrients that are good for your health. Here are a few benefits of eating crab cakes: 1. Good source of protein: Crab meat is a good source of high-quality protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in your body.
2. Heart-healthy: Crab meat is low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart.
3. Vitamin-rich: Crab meat is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium.
Are there any precautions to be taken while consuming Maryland-Style Crab Cakes?
While Maryland-style crab cakes are generally safe to eat, there are a few precautions you should take to reduce your risk of foodborne illness: 1. Check for shell fragments: Before using crab meat, be sure to check for any shell fragments and remove them.
2. Cook thoroughly: Make sure that crab cakes are cooked all the way through before eating them.
3. Refrigerate properly: Store leftover crab cakes in the refrigerator at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
FAQs about Maryland-Style Crab Cakes
1. How many crab cakes are in a serving?
One serving contains one crab cake weighing 55 grams.
2. Are Maryland-style crab cakes gluten-free?
Most commercial crab cakes contain breadcrumbs or flour, which makes them not gluten-free. However, some restaurants and brands offer gluten-free options.
3. What is the calorie content of a Maryland-style crab cake?
One crab cake weighing 55 grams contains 180 calories.
4. What ingredients are typically used in Maryland-style crab cakes?
Maryland-style crab cakes typically contain crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, and Old Bay seasoning.
5. How should I cook Maryland-style crab cakes?
There are several ways to cook Maryland-style crab cakes, including baking, broiling, frying, and grilling. It's best to follow the cooking instructions provided on the package or recipe to ensure they are cooked properly.