Crab cakes are a delicious seafood treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish. Baking crab cakes in the oven is a fantastic way to get a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful-without the mess and extra oil of frying. If you’re wondering how do you cook crab cakes in the oven, this friendly guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, plus share tips for making your crab cakes irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make baked crab cakes, gather these ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh crab meat (lump or jumbo lump preferred)
– 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper or green onion
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
– 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
These ingredients combine to create crab cakes that are packed with flavor and hold together beautifully during baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Crab Cakes
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking crab cakes evenly and getting that perfect golden crust without drying them out.
2. Mix the Crab Cake Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, chopped veggies, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix just until everything is incorporated-avoid overmixing to keep the crab meat chunky and tender.
3. Shape the Crab Cakes
Form the mixture into patties about 1 inch thick. You can make them smaller for appetizers or larger for a main dish. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly.
4. Chill the Crab Cakes
Place the formed crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the cakes hold their shape during baking.
5. Brush with Butter
Before baking, brush the tops of the crab cakes with melted butter. This adds flavor and helps develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
6. Bake the Crab Cakes
Bake the crab cakes in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes on one side. Then carefully flip them and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until both sides are golden brown and the cakes are heated through.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Crab Cakes
– Use lump crab meat: It gives the best texture and flavor. Avoid imitation crab for authentic taste.
– Don’t skip chilling: Refrigerating the crab cakes before baking is key to keeping them intact.
– Space them out: Leave some room between each cake on the baking sheet to help them crisp evenly.
– Optional broil: For extra crispiness, broil the crab cakes for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
– Serve with lemon wedges or tartar sauce: A squeeze of lemon or a dollop of sauce complements the rich crab flavor perfectly.
Why Bake Instead of Fry?
Baking crab cakes is a healthier alternative to frying because it uses less oil, resulting in lower fat content while still achieving a crispy exterior. It’s also less messy and easier to cook multiple crab cakes at once without worrying about oil splatter.
Variations to Try
– Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh twist.
– Mix in a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
– Use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
– Incorporate sautéed shallots or garlic for added depth of flavor.
Crab cakes baked in the oven are simple to prepare and yield delicious results. With a few basic ingredients and these easy steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality crab cakes right at home. Happy baking!
Enjoy your perfectly baked crab cakes-crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside!