Crab Cutlets
Crab Cutlets are golden-brown, crispy delicacies with tender crab meat, perfect for seafood lovers. They combine rich flavors with crunchy coatings, ideal for elegant appetizers or light meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan; blend in flour and add milk.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, beaten egg, celery salt, and grated onion; cook until thick.
- Remove spines from crab meat and add to the mixture.
- Chill the mixture for several hours.
- Form into cakes or cut into small steak-shaped pieces; dip into flour, then spread mayonnaise generously on both sides and roll in crumbs.
- Brown in hot butter until golden brown.
- Serve with creamed peas, cheese sauce, and lemon wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular dry bread crumbs. You can also substitute the crab meat with canned tuna for a budget-friendly option. Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired. Ensure the mixture is well-chilled before forming the cutlets to make shaping easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve crab cutlets with a side of creamed peas and a drizzle of cheese sauce for a comforting meal. Lemon wedges add a refreshing touch. These cutlets also pair beautifully with Seafood recipes like Coconut Battered Shrimp or can be enjoyed as a starter at a gathering. Consider a light salad on the side for balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crab cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them briefly to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Cutlets contains roughly 307 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 737mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
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 freeze crab cutlets for later use?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked crab cutlet patties. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of crab meat should I use for the best flavor?
For the best flavor, opt for lump crab meat if available, as it has a sweet taste and a tender texture. However, canned crab meat is also suitable and more budget-friendly. Just ensure to drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
Can I make these crab cutlets ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the cutlets a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in even tastier cutlets when cooked.
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).