A single serving of Maryland Style Crab Cake contains 254 calories. If you're looking to indulge in this tasty dish, it's important to be mindful of your calorie intake. However, crab cakes can be a great source of protein and healthy fats when made with quality ingredients.

Maryland Style Crab Cakes typically include crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley. Depending on the recipe, additional ingredients may be added. Crab meat is a good source of protein, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

In this article, we'll discuss the nutritional information and ingredients in Maryland Style Crab Cakes, learn how to make them, explore the history of the dish, and discover where to find the best crab cakes in Baltimore.

Maryland Style Crab Cake Nutritional Information

A single serving of Maryland Style Crab Cake contains 254 calories, 17g of fat, 14g of carbs, and 10g of protein. It also contains 153mg of cholesterol and 576mg of sodium. The fat content in crab cakes mostly comes from the mayo and egg used in the recipe. However, crab meat itself is low in fat and calories. Crab cakes can be a good source of protein, but they can also be high in cholesterol and sodium. Be mindful of portion sizes and the ingredients used in your recipe.

Ingredients in Maryland Style Crab Cake

Maryland Style Crab Cakes typically include crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley. Other optional ingredients may include lemon juice, hot sauce, celery, green onions, or red peppers. The type of crab meat used can also impact the taste and texture of the crab cake. Lump crab meat is the most commonly used in Maryland Style Crab Cakes, but claw meat can also be used.

How to Make Maryland Style Crab Cake

To make Maryland Style Crab Cake, you'll need fresh lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley. Simply mix all ingredients together, form crab cakes, and bake or pan-fry until golden brown. The key to making great crab cakes is to use quality ingredients and handle the crab meat gently to avoid breaking up the lumps. Many recipes also call for chilling the mixture before forming the cakes to help them hold their shape.

History of Maryland Style Crab Cake

Maryland Style Crab Cakes have been a staple of Maryland cuisine for over a century. The first recorded recipe for crab cakes appeared in a 1930s cookbook by Crosby Gaige. The recipe has since evolved, but the key ingredients and cooking methods have remained relatively consistent. Crabbing has been an important industry in Maryland for centuries, and the state is known for its high-quality blue crabs. The use of Old Bay seasoning in crab cakes is also a nod to Maryland's culinary heritage, as the spice blend was created in Baltimore in 1939.

Baltimore's Best Crab Cakes

Baltimore is known for its exceptional crab cakes, and there are many restaurants in the city that serve up this iconic dish. Some popular spots include Faidley Seafood, Jimmy's Famous Seafood, and G&M Restaurant. The key to a great Maryland Style Crab Cake is using fresh, high-quality crab meat and carefully seasoning and cooking the cakes. Many restaurants also have their own unique recipes and preparations for the dish.

Alternative Recipes for Maryland Style Crab Cake

While the traditional Maryland Style Crab Cake is a crowd-pleaser, there are many variations and adaptations of the recipe that can add some variety to your meals. Some alternatives include adding veggies like red bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the mix or using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. If you're looking to reduce the calorie and fat content of your crab cakes, you can also try baking them instead of pan-frying or using Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the recipe.

Pairing Maryland Style Crab Cake with Wine

When it comes to pairing wine with crab cakes, it's important to choose a wine that won't overpower the delicate flavor of the crab. White wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pair well with Maryland Style Crab Cakes, as do sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can also complement the dish nicely. Be sure to serve your wine chilled to enhance the flavors of the crab cake.

Why People Love Maryland Style Crab Cake

There are many reasons why Maryland Style Crab Cakes are beloved by locals and visitors alike. For one, the dish is a classic representation of Maryland cuisine and culture. Additionally, crab meat is a delicious and healthy source of protein, and the seasonings in the recipe add a depth of flavor that is hard to resist. Maryland Style Crab Cakes can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making them a versatile dish for any meal. Whether you're enjoying them as an appetizer or a main course, Maryland Style Crab Cakes are sure to satisfy.

Maryland Style Crab Cake vs Other Crab Cake Varieties

While Maryland Style Crab Cakes are undoubtedly delicious, there are many other types of crab cakes out there to try. Some regional variations include the Cajun-style crab cake in Louisiana, the Chesapeake Bay-style crab cake in Virginia, and the Dungeness crab cake in California. Some variations may use different seasonings or additional ingredients like black beans, corn, or bacon. However, the key ingredient - crab meat - remains the star of the show in any crab cake recipe.

Where to Find the Best Maryland Style Crab Cake

If you're looking for the best Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Baltimore is the place to be. As mentioned earlier, Faidley Seafood, Jimmy's Famous Seafood, and G&M Restaurant are all great options. Outside of Baltimore, some other highly-rated spots include Jerry's Seafood in Bowie and Thames Street Oyster House in Annapolis. However, no matter where you go, be sure to do some research and read reviews to ensure you're getting a quality crab cake.