Tasty Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe with a Kick!
Are you looking for a mouth-watering recipe that will bring the taste of the coastal town right into your kitchen? My friend, Captain Buddy has got you covered with his deviled crab cakes recipe. The Maryland-inspired crab cakes are well-known for their outstanding flavor and texture, making them one of the most ordered dishes in restaurants across the country.
Captain Buddy’s deviled crab cakes are an exquisite twist on traditional crab cakes, adding a bit of spiciness and kick to this classic favorite. With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of flavors that will leave you craving more. These devilishly delicious cakes are perfect for celebrations or as a meal any day of the week.
So let me take a moment to transport you to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay through this Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe. You won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hello there, foodies! Are you craving for something delectable that’s both easy and practical to make? Look no further! I present to you Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe – the perfect solution to your culinary desires.
Are you a fan of seafood? With fresh crab meat as its main ingredient, this recipe will surely give you an irresistible taste of the ocean. In addition, it requires only a few pantry staples that you might already have in your kitchen such as milk, bread crumbs, and mayonnaise. The result? A flavor-packed dish that won’t leave a dent on your wallet.
But what sets this deviled crab cakes recipe apart from others is its unique blend of spices and herbs. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant and aromatic lift that complements the sweetness of the crab meat. Combined with onions, green pepper, and celery, it creates a medley of flavors that will tickle your taste buds.
Still not convinced? This recipe has a bonus feature – it uses hard-boiled eggs as a binding ingredient instead of your typical bread crumbs. This means no more worries about your crab cakes falling apart! Plus, if you’re a fan of deviled eggs or stuffed crab shells, then this dish is perfect for you.
Overall, prepare yourself for an explosion of flavors – succulent crab meat smeared with bold seasonings all wrapped up into mouth-watering cakes. Don’t take my word for it just yet though; try out Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe and let your taste buds do the talking!
Ingredient List
Before we start making Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe, let’s gather all the required ingredients. Make sure to check your pantry and fridge to see if you need to buy anything before you start cooking. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh crabmeat (preferably blue crab)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make no mistake, the quality of the ingredients will have a direct impact on the final result of the recipe. So, for the best experience and taste, use fresh and high-quality ingredients. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or seafood market.
One thing to keep in mind is to make sure your crab meat is cooked and clean. Watch out for any pieces of shell or cartilage because they can affect the texture of the crab cake. Also, use plain bread crumbs so that they won’t overpower the flavor of crab meat.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve talked about the ingredients, let’s start making Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes!
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
In a pan over medium heat, melt 1 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) until it begins to foam. Add 1 cup finely chopped onion, 1 cup finely diced green pepper, and 1/2 cup finely diced celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.
Step 2: Make the crab cake mixture
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with 2 cups of fresh crab meat (preferably blue crab), 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped, and 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Use your hands to mix everything together.
Add enough bread crumbs as a binding ingredient to hold the mixture together without it falling apart. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed.
Step 3: Form the crab cakes
Shape golf ball-sized portions of the mixture into patties about an inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the crab cakes
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Melt an additional 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and brush it over each crab cake.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Notes
- You can also fry these in a pan with vegetable oil over medium-high heat until they are golden brown and crispy.
- For added flavor, sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over each crab cake before baking.
- If you want to make smaller appetizer-sized crab cakes, use a cookie scoop to portion out the mixture, then flatten slightly with your hands.
- Leftover crab cakes are great crumbled onto salad or served as a stuffing for stuffed deviled eggs or stuffed crab shells.
Congratulations! You now know how to make Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes like a pro. Enjoy them with family and friends at any time of day, be it breakfast or dinner!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe can be tweaked with a variety of substitutions and variations to meet your specific tastes. Here are some of my recommendations:
– Seafood: The recipe calls for fresh crabmeat, but you could substitute crab meat with other seafood like shrimp or lobster. This would give the dish a whole new flavor profile!
– Binding Ingredients: The recipe calls for bread crumbs as the binding ingredient to keep your cakes together. You could substitute the bread crumbs with Ritz crackers, saltine crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
– Spicy Option: If you prefer a little heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to give your crab cakes a kick.
– Veggies: Adding finely chopped vegetables like onions, green peppers and celery can also change the taste and texture of the dish.
– Stuffed Variation: You can make stuffed deviled eggs using this recipe that will be perfect for parties or potlucks. You could also stuff crabmeat into traditional deviled egg halves for an elegant starter.
– Substituting Animal Milk Product: If you are lactose intolerant or allergic to animal milk products, use non-dairy milk like soy milk, rice milk or almond milk in place of regular milk while making the recipe.
The possibilities are limitless, and you are only bound by your creativity and imagination. As Chef John once said, “Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together.” So, let your culinary flair take over and experiment with this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Well folks, you’ve finally made it to the most exciting part of my Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes recipe: the serving and pairing stage.
When it comes to pairing these deviled crab cakes, I suggest going with something that can cut through the richness of the dish. For wine lovers out there, I recommend a glass of dry white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay. These wines have just the right amount of acidity to cleanse your palate after each bite, allowing you to truly savor every flavor.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try pairing these crab cakes with a nice cold beer? A light beer such as a lager or pilsner would go great with these cakes because they won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the fresh crabmeat. If you’re looking for something that packs a punch, I suggest trying an IPA or Pale Ale for some added depth.
As for serving suggestions, we like to keep it simple and classic here in Panama City Beach. Some lemon wedges and tartar sauce are all you’ll need to complement the flavors in these deviled crab cakes. However, if you’re feeling fancy and have some extra time on your hands, I also like to serve them alongside some creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
So go ahead, give these Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes a try and let me know what you think!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
It’s always a smart idea to prep your meals in advance and our deviled crab cakes are no exception. Making them ahead of time is a breeze and can save you plenty of time when it comes to serving them up.
To make these delicious cakes ahead of time, simply follow the instructions and form the mixture into patties, then place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the sheet tightly with some plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets before placing it in the fridge.
When it’s time to serve, simply take out the patties and allow them to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking as per the recipe.
Storing your cooked deviled crab cakes is also a snap; just place them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This recipe can also be made in large batches and stored in the freezer for up to a month.
Reheating is easy too! Simply preheat your oven to 375°F, line your baking sheet with parchment paper, place your crab cakes on the sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they are heated through. You can also pan-fry these babies on medium heat coated with oil or unsalted butter until golden brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes each side.
Our deviled crab cakes can be served as an appetizer or as the main course. They taste great on their own or paired with a variety of sides such as rice, salad greens or roasted vegetables.
Just remember that seafood should always be handled with care, so be sure to reheat thoroughly and discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a baker, I’ve learned that following recipes to the letter doesn’t necessarily guarantee a perfect result. Sometimes, little tips or tricks can make all the difference, especially when it comes to tricky dishes like deviled crab cakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time you make Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe:
Firstly, it’s important to have the right binding ingredient for your crab cakes. In this recipe, fresh breadcrumbs are used, but you can also use crackers or cornmeal. The most important thing is to make sure you have enough binding ingredient so that your crab cakes hold together and don’t fall apart when frying.
Another crucial tip for perfect deviled crab cakes is to handle the mixture gently. Make sure to mix your ingredients just enough to combine them, but not too much that the mixture becomes mushy. You want to keep the crab meat in nice large pieces instead of shredded and overworked.
Fresh crabmeat is essential for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh crabmeat you can substitute with canned crab as an alternative. However, if you’re able to use fresh crabmeat use of black-blue crabs from the Maryland region will really enhance the flavor.
When it comes to frying your deviled crab cakes use a non-stick pan and elegant hot unsalted butter (use enough butter so that the crab cake is fully submerged). Doing these things will give your crab cakes a delicious crispiness on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Finally, consider pairing your deviled crab cakes with Chef John’s Seafood Salad recipe (found by searching “Chef John seafood”). This salad complements nicely with the taste of Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe and a Pat Conroy novel by your side would be a delightful addition to your meal.
FAQ
As you prepare to make Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe, you might encounter a few common questions. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about making deviled crab cakes to ensure that you have all the information you need to make this recipe a success!
What is the difference between deviled crab and crab cakes?
If you’re a fan of Maryland crab cakes, you’ll want to try deviled crabs, which have a similar taste but differ in shape, seasoning, and eating method. These snacks are meant to be eaten with your hands, so they are packed tighter than crab cakes to prevent them from falling apart.
What keeps crab cakes from falling apart?
When making crab cakes, relying solely on eggs is not sufficient to keep them together. A starch binder is crucial to help them maintain their shape. Achieving the right balance is vital because too little binder will cause the crab cakes to break apart, while too much will result in an unappetizing texture. This is a delicate process that requires careful attention.
Is it better to pan fry or bake crab cakes?
When it comes to preparing crab cakes, there are two popular cooking methods to choose from: baking and frying. While both techniques have their advantages, I personally prefer baking the crab cakes for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a more foolproof method as there’s no risk of them crumbling and falling apart when you flip them. Additionally, baking ensures that the crab cakes are less likely to dry out, which can sometimes happen when you fry them in a pan.
Why do you put mayo in crab cakes?
When it comes to making crab cakes, it’s important to not overpower the delicate flavor of the crab itself. Instead, simple ingredients such as eggs and mayonnaise are used to enhance the taste and hold the cakes together. Eggs are the primary binding agent, while mayonnaise also helps to create a cohesive texture. These ingredients work together to create a delicious and balanced dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe is perfect for any seafood lover who wants to enjoy a hearty, flavorful and moist meal. With fresh crab meat and a unique blend of ingredients, this dish stands out among other crab cakes recipes.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, follow the instructions and tips mentioned throughout the article to make the perfect batch of deviled crab cakes every time. Serve it with fresh parsley or on its own; this recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking.
So what are you waiting for? Let your taste buds sail away into the dreamy flavors of Captian Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe! Impress your friends and family with a recipe that they’ll come back for again and again. Trust in the expertise of Chef John and try this recipe today!
Captain Buddy’s Deviled Crab Cakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup finely chopped green pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 lbs fresh crabmeat, picked over for shells and flaked
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup crushed soda cracker (saltines)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- hot pepper sauce
- 3 -4 tablespoons milk (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add celery,green pepper and onion and cook, stirring constantly until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Do not let vegetables brown.
- Add crabmeat,chopped egg,mayonnaise,cracker crumbs and parsley and toss lightly.
- Season to taste with salt,pepper and hot sauce.
- (If mixture seems too thick, stir in milk one tablespoon at a time.).
- Butter scallop, blue crab shells or individual ramekins.
- Fill evenly with crab mixture.
- Bake until tops are golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.