The Best Classic Crab Cakes Recipe (Old Bay Seasoning) - Home & Plate (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Old Bay crab cake mix? ›

BREAD CRUMBS (BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, DEXTROSE, SALT, AND YEAST), WHOLE EGG SOLIDS, SALT, SPICES (INCLUDING RED PEPPER AND PARSLEY), AND PAPRIKA.

Are crab cakes better baked or fried? You can either bake or fry these crab cakes. My personal preference is to bake them because it's easier (no risk of them falling apart when you flip them) and they are less prone to drying out (it's easy to overcook the crab cakes when frying them in a pan).

CELERY SALT (SALT, CELERY SEED), SPICES (INCLUDING RED PEPPER AND BLACK PEPPER), AND PAPRIKA.

While both blends are closely guarded secrets, it's generally agreed that J.O. brings more salt and heat, while Old Bay leans savory with eighteen spices, including pepper, cloves, ginger, and coriander. Both businesses also sport solid Maryland pedigrees.

The Differences In Maryland Crab Cakes

For starters, they typically use more meat and less other filling compared to regular crab cakes.

These flavors and binders simply enhance the true taste of crab. Egg: Egg is the main binding ingredient in crab cakes. Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is another binding ingredient.

While egg is a popular choice, it alone is not enough to make crab cakes retain their shape. A starch binder is also required. The key here is maintaining the proper balance, as too little binder means your crab cakes will fall apart, but too much will give your crab cakes an unfortunate texture.

Ultimately, it is your decision how you choose to fry your crab cakes, as both oil and butter will work equally well depending on your taste and cooking preferences.

Some chefs and home cooks do recommend using olive oil (even the extra virgin kind). Additionally, unrefined coconut oil can be fun to use if you are trying out an alternative crab cake recipe that also contains coconut or other complementary ingredients.

Some popular substitutions for Old Bay include crab boil, cajun seasoning, and celery salt mixed with paprika. When using a substitute, make sure to start with a small amount to begin with and taste as you go. Sometimes an alternative can change your dish's flavor profile slightly, so it is best to go slow.

How to use old bay seasoning? ›

Old Bay seasoning is what Southerners like to spice up for Lowcountry boils, crab cakes, and shrimp dishes. But it doesn't stop there. We sprinkle it over deviled eggs and add a few shakes to Bloody Marys. Heck, we even sprinkle it over popcorn for a little kick.

According to McCormick, Old Bay is a blend of 18 herbs and spices, making it versatile for use on fish, chicken, vegetables, and soup. The unique blend of spices includes (but is not limited to): celery seed, paprika, mustard, salt, red pepper, and black pepper.

The #1 Brand Seasoning is J.O. Spices flagship seasoning. It has a very good flavor and just the right amount of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor in many different types of food.

Simply brush your crab legs with butter or olive oil, then add on any combination you like, from the classic Old Bay, to the decadent garlic and herbs, to an experimental Asian flavoring with soy sauce, sesame oil and cilantro.

Some popular substitutions for Old Bay include crab boil, cajun seasoning, and celery salt mixed with paprika. When using a substitute, make sure to start with a small amount to begin with and taste as you go. Sometimes an alternative can change your dish's flavor profile slightly, so it is best to go slow.

The bottom line

Imitation crab is a highly processed food made by combining minced fish with starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and additives to mimic the flavor, color, and texture of real crab meat. While it's significantly less expensive than real crab, it's also less nutritious.

Crab cake filling: I go light on the filler, using juuuust enough to bind the crab cakes together. You'll need an egg, mayonnaise, chopped fresh herbs (I like parsley, dill, and tarragon!), Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, Kosher salt, and black pepper.

Egg – The egg will act as a binder for the cakes, so the patties don't break apart. Mayonnaise – Not only will this mayo add some tang to our cakes but it will also help bind them together. You can make your own mayo using my recipe or store bought mayo will be fine as well.