My Favorite Crab Cake

/ / 8 Comments

Crab cakes are a crowd favorite. I have eaten a lot of crab cakes over the years, and I have made 100 times more. When it comes to crab cakes I serve to my family and friends the rule is that it is all about the crab, keep it simple. A few simple tips;
– When it comes to breading/binder I use the least amount possible to get it to just hold together
– Make the mix, form into cakes on parchment lined sheet pan, refrigerate for at least 20 minutes prior to cooking to firm up
– Bake in oven at 375 for 20 mins or Pan fry in clarified butter, add whole butter on the flip and baste
– My favorite breading is crushed Ritz crackers (add a buttery taste and good binding), next is panko (good crunch on exterior when pan fried, have to let sit in fridge prior to cooking, otherwise will be crunchy on inside as well), homemade brioche breadcrumbs (really buttery but more soft pudding like texture when mixed as opposed to Ritz which stay granular), white bread panade, bread cubes soaked in milk and mashed (this is the most neutral and old school way, similar to Devil crab or old Imperial recipes
– I like Old Bay, in moderation, depending on the type of crab, for example I use less in a cake of our super lump than I do in one with our claw meat
– Our crab is already 100% cooked, do not overcook your crab cakes, especially if oven baking
– Everyone loves a good sauce, and they are simple to make with stuff in the fridge, even as simple as a 50/50 mayo/mustard “Dijonaise”
– Use your hands to mix it, especially if using Super or Jumbo lump, it is a lot of work, and money, for those big pieces of crab, keep them whole!
– Left over crab meat, yes it does happen, make it into a cake and freeze, as opposed to freezing the crab plain

– Chef John

Crab Au Gratin

/ / No Comments

This delicious, creamy hot crab dip is a staple in New Orleans and will be a welcome addition to your table. With the start of Lent, seafood dishes are added to many menus and home meals. This included at my favorite and oldest steakhouse in NOLA, Charlie’s, which was owned by friend, Matt, for years following Katrina. This dip was the only addition or change in their menu in 50 years and became a customer favorite almost overnight. The combination of jumbo lump crab meat, melted cheese and Creole spices take this crab dip to new levels. Served with butter toasted crostini of a good French baguette.

Frozen Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Stuffing Mix

/ / No Comments

Our frozen jumbo lump crab meat is the affordable way to add a premium crab dish to your dinner table. Our frozen crab is made with 100% real swimming crab meat and is not only delicious, but also if very affordable as compared to our traditional refrigerated pasteurized crab meat. This recipe is as versatile as it is easy to make.  From traditional crab cakes, to crab crusted salmon and shrimp, to crab stuffed artichokes and mushrooms. The options are only limited to your creativity.

Crab’scargot

/ / No Comments

What is the best part of the classic escargot dish, the warm, bubbly garlic and parsley butter of course. Well, although most people love the garlic butter, it is the snails that some might not love. So let’s replace the snails with some of our beautiful jumbo lump crab. A simple, easy recipe first course that your guests will love and will only take minutes to prepare (and can be made ahead and heated when ready to serve). Some toasted baguette for dipping is essential for this one!

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Asparagus, Roasted Lemon Hollandaise and Jumbo Lump “Crab Cake Bites”

/ / No Comments

Want to wow your guests, well here you go. The top of the line crab cake, the Cadillac of crab cakes (do people still use Cadillac as a barometer of luxury?), the whole Jumbo Lump crab cake with fresh brioche breadcrumbs. Add the classic pairing of steamed asparagus and hollandaise. For the hollandaise we upped the ante a bit by roasting the lemon before squeeze into the sauce, giving a deeper, more mellow citrus flavor. And to gild the lily a bit you can garnish the plate with a few of your soon to be favorite, and dead simple, bites, pieces of whole Jumbo Lump crabmeat simply dusted with some buttery seasoned brioche breadcrumbs, the flavor of a crab cake reinvented.

Crab Imperial with Shaved Fennel, Clementine and Roasted Beet Salad

/ / No Comments

Crab Imperial is a classic dish first appearing on menus in Baltimore in the later part of the 19th century and was first published in a cookbook in 1939. There are many versions, some with breadcrumbs, some with a roux, some with peppers and onions. I went very classic and very simple, however, used our best of the best Jumbo Lump crabmeat and boy does it shine. In the end this Crab Imperial is basically a baked crab cake mix without and breadcrumbs and can easily be an excellent gluten free or Keto option. It is paired with a very bright, beautiful and refreshing salad of beets, shaved fennel, clementine segments and pickled red onions.