A Southern Boy'S Crab Cakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Savory crab cakes with Old Bay seasoning and crispy crackers, perfect for seafood lovers and casual gatherings, offering a flavorful, golden-brown treat in every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. crab meat
  • 6 to 8 saltine crackers
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • dash of garlic powder
  • 2 to 4 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

  1. Combine crab meat and mayonnaise in a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Add finely crushed saltine crackers to the mixture.
  3. Add garlic powder to taste.
  4. Form the mixture into small patties.
  5. Fry the crab cakes in 1/2-inch hot oil until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed saltine crackers. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped green onions or bell peppers to the mixture. Be careful not to overmix the crab cakes to keep them tender. For a twist, serve them with a spicy remoulade sauce, which pairs beautifully with this dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the crab cakes with a fresh salad or coleslaw to balance out the richness. They also pair well with a tangy dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside Chilled Salmon Pasta or a light seafood salad for a delightful summer feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of A Southern Boy'S Crab Cakes contains roughly 750 calories, with 16g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 799mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

750 kcal 37% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.6g 31% DV
Total Fat 37.4g 48% DV
Carbs 87g 32% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 799.3mg 35% DV
Potassium 172.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 15.2mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 184.8mg 14% DV
Iron 6.9mg 39% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned crab meat, but for the best flavor and texture, fresh or frozen crab meat is recommended. If using canned, make sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces before mixing.

How can I make these crab cakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free crab cakes, simply substitute the saltine crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the mayonnaise and seasonings, are also gluten-free.

What type of oil is best for frying crab cakes?

For frying crab cakes, it's best to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. This will help achieve a crispy exterior without imparting any strong flavors to the crab cakes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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