Crab cakes are a delicious seafood treat that many love to enjoy as an appetizer or main dish. But what if you have frozen crab cakes and aren’t sure how to cook them to perfection? Don’t worry! Cooking frozen crab cakes is easy and can be done in several ways to suit your taste and schedule. In this article, I’ll walk you through the best methods to cook frozen crab cakes so you can enjoy their crispy, flavorful goodness anytime.
What You’ll Need Before Cooking
– Frozen crab cakes (store-bought or homemade)
– Cooking oil (vegetable oil or butter)
– Baking sheet or skillet
– Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Three Popular Ways to Cook Frozen Crab Cakes
1. Sautéing (Pan-Frying) Frozen Crab Cakes
Sautéing is a quick and popular way to cook frozen crab cakes, giving them a crispy golden crust with minimal oil.
How to sauté frozen crab cakes:
– Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
– Place the frozen crab cakes in the pan, leaving about an inch of space between each.
– Cook for about 3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
– Flip the crab cakes and cook the other side for 1 minute.
– Lower the heat to medium and cook each side for an additional 2 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
– Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
– Once done, place the crab cakes on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Pro tip: If you thaw crab cakes before cooking, they will cook faster (about 3-4 minutes per side) but be gentle when flipping to avoid breaking them apart.
2. Baking Frozen Crab Cakes
Baking is a hands-off method that’s perfect when you want to cook multiple crab cakes at once with less oil.
How to bake frozen crab cakes:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– If possible, thaw crab cakes in the refrigerator for 3 hours before baking to reduce cooking time.
– Lightly grease a baking sheet with melted butter or vegetable oil.
– Place crab cakes on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
– Brush the tops with melted butter for a crispier crust.
– Bake for 20-30 minutes if thawed, or 40 minutes or more if cooking from frozen.
– For extra crispiness, broil the crab cakes for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
– Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
3. Deep-Frying Frozen Crab Cakes
Deep-frying creates an ultra-crispy exterior and juicy interior, but it uses more oil and requires careful attention.
How to deep-fry frozen crab cakes:
– Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
– Carefully lower frozen crab cakes into the hot oil.
– Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
– Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
– Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for the Best Frozen Crab Cakes
– Don’t overcook: Overcooking can dry out crab cakes and diminish their delicate flavor.
– Use a thermometer: Ensuring the internal temperature hits 165°F guarantees food safety.
– Add butter or oil: Brushing crab cakes with melted butter before baking or sautéing enhances browning and flavor.
– Serve with sides: Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill complement crab cakes beautifully.
– Try an air fryer: For a quick and less oily option, cook frozen crab cakes in an air fryer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Crab Cakes
Once you’ve mastered cooking frozen crab cakes, try these fun serving ideas:
– Crab Cake Benedict: Top crab cakes with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce for a luxurious brunch.
– Spicy Sriracha Crab Cakes: Add a kick by serving with spicy sriracha mayo.
– Crab Cake Sliders: Make mini sandwiches with avocado and fresh veggies.
– Crab Cake Salad: Serve crab cakes over a bed of greens with lemon vinaigrette.
– Crab Cake Bruschetta: Place crab cakes on toasted bread with tomato and basil for a tasty appetizer.
Frozen crab cakes are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy seafood without the fuss of making them from scratch. Whether you sauté, bake, or deep-fry, following these simple steps will help you serve up perfectly cooked crab cakes every time.
Enjoy your meal!
Crab cakes are easy to cook from frozen with just a bit of care, and they make for a quick, tasty meal or appetizer that’s sure to impress. Bon appétit!