Easy and Delicious Crab Cakes Using Canned Crab

Crab cakes are a popular seafood dish, but not everyone has access to fresh crab meat. Luckily, canned crab can be a great substitute and is readily available at most grocery stores. In this article, we’ll show you how to make delicious crab cakes using canned crab meat.

First, gather your ingredients. In addition to canned crab, you’ll need breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and an egg. You’ll also need a bowl and a large skillet. Once you have everything ready, you can start making your crab cakes!

1. The Advantages of Using Canned Crab

The Convenience of Canned Crab Meat

Canned crab meat has several advantages over fresh crab meat when it comes to convenience. Canned crab meat is readily available in most grocery stores and requires no special preparation – unlike fresh crab meat, which can be hard to find and requires cleaning, cooking, and picking the meat from the shell. Additionally, canned crab meat has a longer shelf life and can be stored in your pantry until you’re ready to use it.

2. Choosing the Right Brand of Canned Crab

Quality Brands for Optimal Taste

When it comes to canned crab meat, the brand you choose can have a significant impact on the taste of your crab cakes. High-quality brands like Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, and Crown Prince offer fresh-tasting crab meat with minimal added preservatives. Before purchasing canned crab meat, read the label carefully to ensure you are buying the best quality product available.

3. The Right Recipe for the Perfect Crab Cake

Try This Simple Recipe for Delicious Crab Cakes

To create the perfect crab cake using canned crab meat, you’ll need to start with the right recipe. A simple recipe that utilizes basic ingredients like bread crumbs, mayonnaise, and egg is an excellent place to start. Follow the recipe precisely for the best results.

4. Preparing Your Canned Crab Meat

Drain the Crab Meat Before Use

Before using your canned crab meat, it’s essential to drain it thoroughly to remove any excess liquid. Use a colander to drain the canned crab meat, and use paper towels to pat it dry. To ensure that your crab cakes have the best texture, avoid overmixing the crab meat and other ingredients.

5. Choosing the Right Binders for Your Crab Cakes

Breadcrumbs, Eggs, and Mayonnaise: The Perfect Binders

To ensure that your crab cakes hold together and have a great texture and flavor, it’s important to choose the right binder ingredients. Breadcrumbs, eggs, and mayonnaise are all excellent choices for holding your crab cakes together.

6. Seasoning Your Crab Cakes to Perfection

Adding Flavor with Herbs and Spices

To give your crab cakes an extra kick of flavor, consider adding herbs and spices. Old Bay Seasoning, cayenne pepper, and parsley are all excellent choices for seasoning your crab cakes to perfection.

7. Shaping and Cooking Your Crab Cakes

Forming Your Crab Cakes and Cooking Them to a Golden Brown

When shaping your crab cakes, be sure to use the right amount of mixture for each cake, and shape the mixture into cakes. Heat your pan over medium heat and add oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add the crab cakes and cook until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the crab cakes and cook until the other side is also golden brown.

8. Serving Your Crab Cakes

Enjoying Your Crab Cakes with Tasty Sides

To round out your crab cake meal, be sure to serve your crab cakes with tasty sides like sautéed spinach, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. Don’t forget the tartar sauce!

9. Storing Your Leftover Crab Cakes

Save Your Leftover Crab Cakes for Later with Proper Storage

If you have leftover crab cakes, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, place the crab cakes on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about ten minutes or until heated through.

10. Experimenting with Your Crab Cake Recipe

Try New Ingredients and Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics of making crab cakes using canned crab meat, it’s time to start experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. Why not try adding different cheeses, vegetables, or even fruits to your recipe? The possibilities are endless!

10 Steps to Making Delicious Crab Cakes from Canned Crab

Making crab cakes from canned crab may seem like an intimidating task, but with a bit of patience and creativity, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal in just a few easy steps. Follow these tried and true tips to help you create your own spin on an old classic.

1. Choose Quality Ingredients

The key to making delicious crab cakes is to use quality ingredients. When selecting canned crab, look for the best quality crab meat that you can find. Opt for wild-caught crab if possible and read the labels carefully to avoid added preservatives and fillers. Fresh herbs, spices, and breadcrumbs are also crucial for adding flavor and texture to your crab cakes.

2. Prepare Your Crab Meat

To prepare your canned crab meat, start by draining the liquid and removing any shells or cartilage. You can do this using your hands or a fork. It’s important not to overwork the crab meat as it can become mushy. Gently mix in fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add Seasonings and Binders

To help your crab cakes hold their shape, you’ll need to add binders such as eggs, mayo, or breadcrumbs. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic, paprika, or cayenne pepper, to enhance the flavor. Mix everything together until well-combined.

4. Shape Your Crab Cakes

Using your hands or an ice cream scoop, shape the crab mixture into small patties or balls. Make sure they are all the same size to ensure even cooking.

5. Chill for Best Results

For best results, chill your crab cakes in the fridge for at least an hour before cooking. This will help them hold their shape and enhance their flavor. Cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

6. Cook Over Medium Heat

To cook your crab cakes, heat oil or butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Gently place the crab cakes in the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause them to stick together.

7. Serve Hot or Cold

Once your crab cakes are cooked, you can serve them immediately or store them in the fridge for later. They can be served hot or cold, making them a versatile and convenient meal option. Top with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

8. Freeze for Later

If you have leftover crab cakes, you can freeze them for later. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and heat them in a frying pan over medium heat.

9. Experiment with Flavors

Making crab cakes from canned crab is a great opportunity to experiment with different flavors and textures. Try adding chopped onions, jalapenos, or even shredded cheese for a unique twist on a classic recipe.

10. Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Making crab cakes from canned crab is a labor of love, but the result is well worth it. Enjoy your delicious homemade crab cakes as a main dish or as an appetizer at your next social gathering.

Steps to Make Crab Cakes from Canned Crab

Once you have all the ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to make delicious crab cakes:

Step 1: Drain the Canned Crab Meat

Remove the canned crab meat from the can and drain it well in a colander. Gently press down on the meat to get rid of any excess liquid. You don’t want too much moisture in your crab cakes, or they won’t hold their shape well.

Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients

Chop the bell pepper, onion, and celery into small pieces. It’s important to have uniform pieces so that they cook evenly. Finely chop the garlic and set it aside. Whisk the egg in a small bowl and set it aside, along with the mayo, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped veggies, garlic, egg, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with a large fork or spatula.

Step 4: Form the Crab Cakes

Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions, depending on how big you want your crab cakes to be. Use your hands to form each portion into a round, flat patty. Place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Step 5: Cook the Crab Cakes

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Place the crab cakes in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip them over. Remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Table: Ingredients for Crab Cakes from Canned Crab

Now that you know how to make crab cakes from canned crab, it’s time to give it a try! These crab cakes are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion like a dinner party. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Crab Cakes!

Now that you have all the tips and tricks on how to make crab cakes from canned crab, it’s time to put your cooking skills to the test. Gather all the necessary ingredients, mix them well, and fry them to perfection. Don’t forget to serve your crab cakes with your favorite side dishes and sauce. Thank you for reading this article! We hope you enjoyed it and found it helpful. Be sure to visit us again for more exciting recipes and cooking ideas. Happy cooking!