Misericordia Crabcakes
Misericordia Crab Cakes are rich, flavorful bites featuring tender crab meat coated in crispy breadcrumbs. The creamy sauce with seasonings provides a savory depth, making these crab cakes perfect for special occasions or a delightful appetizer that impresses with its classic taste and golden crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter and shortening in the top of a double boiler.
- Add chopped onion; let simmer over direct heat about 15 minutes or until the onion is very tender, but do not brown or burn it.
- Remove from heat; let cool slightly, then stir in flour carefully to prevent lumps.
- Gradually stir in milk, making a smooth mixture.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, dry mustard, and a pinch of mace; stir well.
- Place the pan over boiling water and stir constantly until the sauce is thickened and well blended.
- Pour the sauce over the picked-over crab meat and mix well.
- Refrigerate the mixture overnight.
- Shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch thick patties.
- Roll the patties in fine breadcrumbs to coat all over.
- Heat hot fat deep enough to cover the patties and fry until deep golden brown.
- Lift out the crab cakes with a slotted spatula and drain on absorbent paper.
- Serve piping hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture. If you don't have crab meat, lump fish or a seafood mix can be a suitable substitute. Be careful not to overmix when combining the ingredients to maintain the delicate texture of the crab cakes.
Serving Suggestions
These crabcakes are best served hot with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pair them with a tangy remoulade or tartar sauce for dipping. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or coleslaw for crunch. They also pair beautifully with Lite Crab Dip for a delightful seafood-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they retain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Misericordia Crabcakes contains roughly 497 calories, with 5g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% 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 use canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, canned crab meat can be used, but be sure to choose a high-quality product for the best flavor. Drain and rinse it to remove excess salt and moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make the crab cakes spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy aioli for an extra kick that complements the flavors of the crabcakes.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, crushed rice crackers or cornmeal can work well as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs. Additionally, crushed crackers like saltines or panko can add a nice texture 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).