If you're a seafood lover, you should definitely try Maryland style crab cakes! These delicious cakes are made from fresh crab meat and seasoned with spices that give them a unique flavor. Plus, they're easy to make and can be served in a variety of ways. Did you know that just one serving of Maryland style crab cakes is 160 calories?

Apart from their mouth-watering taste, Maryland style crab cakes are also packed with nutrients. They're a good source of protein and essential minerals such as selenium and zinc. However, it's important to keep in mind that they contain some amount of cholesterol and sodium.

In this article, we'll give you all the information you need to make delicious Maryland style crab cakes at home, as well as tips on how to choose the best restaurants to enjoy them and ideas for serving them in different ways.

An Overview of Maryland Style Crab Cakes

Maryland style crab cakes are a popular dish in the Chesapeake Bay region of the US. They're typically made with lump crab meat, bread crumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, and spices such as Old Bay seasoning. The crab cakes are then pan-fried or broiled until they're golden brown. One of the key ingredients in Maryland style crab cakes is the crab meat itself. The best crab meat comes from blue crabs which are plentiful in the Chesapeake Bay region. Maryland style crab cakes are known for their high crab meat content, with some recipes using up to 80% crab meat. There are many variations of Maryland style crab cake recipes, with each chef or restaurant adding their own twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients Used in Making Maryland Style Crab Cakes

The ingredients used in making Maryland style crab cakes include lump crab meat, bread crumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and spices such as Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. It's important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the crab meat. Apart from lump crab meat, some recipes also use claw or jumbo lump crab meat. Homemade bread crumbs made from stale bread are generally used, but you can also use store-bought bread crumbs. The mayonnaise in the recipe adds flavor and helps hold the crab cakes together, but can be substituted with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier option.

Ways to Cook Maryland Style Crab Cakes

There are two main ways to cook Maryland style crab cakes: pan-frying and broiling. Pan-frying gives the crab cakes a crispy exterior while broiling makes them slightly less crispy but with a more even texture. To pan-fry the crab cakes, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. For broiling, preheat the oven to 400°F and place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and heated through. You can also grill or deep-fry the crab cakes, although these methods are less commonly used.

The Nutritional Value of Maryland Style Crab Cakes

One serving of Maryland style crab cakes (approximately 1 cake) contains 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of protein. Crab meat is a rich source of protein and essential minerals such as selenium and zinc. However, crab meat also contains cholesterol and sodium. The amount of cholesterol and sodium in Maryland style crab cakes will depend on the recipe and cooking method used. Overall, Maryland style crab cakes can be a healthy and nutritious dish when consumed in moderation and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The Best Places to Enjoy Maryland Style Crab Cakes

If you're looking for the best places to enjoy Maryland style crab cakes, look no further than the Chesapeake Bay region itself. Some of the most highly-rated restaurants for crab cakes include G&M Restaurant and Lounge in Linthicum Heights, Faidley Seafood in Baltimore, and Cantler's Riverside Inn in Annapolis. Alternatively, you can also make Maryland style crab cakes at home and experiment with different recipes and cooking methods.

Serving Suggestions for Maryland Style Crab Cakes

Maryland style crab cakes can be served in a variety of ways. They are typically served as an appetizer or main course, accompanied by sides such as coleslaw or roasted vegetables. Some popular serving suggestions include: - On a bed of lettuce or arugula with a lemon and olive oil dressing - In a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce - Topped with a spicy rémoulade sauce - With a side of sweet potato fries or onion rings

Dietary Restrictions and Maryland Style Crab Cakes

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several modifications you can make to the traditional Maryland style crab cake recipe. For example: - Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour instead of wheat-based bread crumbs. - Low-carb: Substitute the bread crumbs with almond flour or coconut flour. - Dairy-free: Use dairy-free mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise. - Keto: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of bread crumbs and avocado oil for frying.

Tips for Making the Perfect Maryland Style Crab Cakes

Making Maryland style crab cakes at home can be easy and fun, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you get the perfect result: - Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the crab meat. - Don't overmix the ingredients as this can make the crab cakes tough. - Let the crab cake mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming the cakes. - Use a non-stick pan and don't overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking. - Serve the crab cakes immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maryland Style Crab Cakes

Q: Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh? A: While fresh crab meat is recommended for the best taste and texture, canned crab meat can be used as a substitute in a pinch. Q: Can I freeze Maryland style crab cakes? A: Yes, you can freeze the crab cakes after forming them but before cooking. To cook, thaw the crab cakes in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the recipe instructions for pan-frying or broiling. Q: What is Old Bay seasoning? A: Old Bay seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that is commonly used in Chesapeake Bay cuisine. It includes ingredients such as celery salt, paprika, and black pepper.

Interesting Facts about Maryland Style Crab Cakes

- Maryland style crab cakes have been a staple dish in the Chesapeake Bay region for over a century. - The first published recipe for crab cakes appeared in the 1930s in a cookbook by Crosby Gaige. - Maryland style crab cakes are so popular in the region that they even have their own festival, the Chesapeake Bay Crab Cake Festival. - In 2018, the Maryland General Assembly designated the blue crab as the official state crustacean, cementing the importance of crab in Maryland's culinary culture.