Crab Shell Cakes

Want more deliciousness? Follow me on X @TeresasRecipes for the latest culinary creations and kitchen adventures!

Crab Shell Cakes

Dive into the delightful world of seafood with these exquisite Crab Shell Cakes, a dish that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. Shaped like crab shells, these savory cakes combine the sweetness of fresh crab meat with a medley of zesty flavors from Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Served with a creamy tartar sauce, they make for an impressive appetizer or main course that showcases the bounty of the ocean. This dish has roots in coastal culinary traditions, where crabs are a celebrated catch, making it a perfect way to bring a taste of the sea to your table.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Crab meat (1 pound, fresh or canned, drained)
  • Bread crumbs (1 cup, preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • Eggs (2, large)
  • Mayonnaise (1/3 cup)
  • Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Vegetable oil (1/4 cup, for frying)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving (optional))

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, bread crumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much; you want to maintain some chunks for texture.
  2. Once well combined, shape the mixture into patties resembling crab shells, about 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough by sprinkling a few breadcrumbs into the oil; they should sizzle immediately.
  4. Carefully place the crab cakes in the skillet, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  5. Once cooked, transfer the crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  6. Serve the crab shell cakes warm, garnished with lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce or aioli for dipping.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Appetizer/Main Course • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes • Calories: 300 • Fat: 18g • Carbs: 14g • Protein: 22g • Sodium: 600mg • Sugar: 1g