Avocado Dungeness Crab Cake

Introduction

History

The concept of crab cakes originates from the Chesapeake Bay region of the United States, where they have been a staple part of the diet since the Colonial times. The addition of avocado is a more modern twist, reflecting the growing trend of incorporating healthy fats into traditional dishes. The combination of Dungeness crab, native to the west coast of North America, with California avocado, makes this recipe a celebration of Pacific Coast flavors.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best texture and flavor, use fresh, high-quality crab meat and ripe avocados. Be gentle when mixing the ingredients to avoid breaking the delicate crab meat too much. When forming the cakes, press the mixture together firmly to help them hold their shape during cooking. Pan-frying in a well-oiled skillet over medium heat will give the crab cakes a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Avocado Dungeness Crab Cakes on a bed of mixed greens with a side of Corn Blini and Violet Mustard Crème Fraîche for a complete meal. Garnish with additional chives and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Pan-frying is the recommended technique for cooking these crab cakes, as it provides a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. Ensure the skillet is hot and well-oiled before adding the cakes to prevent sticking and achieve an even golden-brown crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Dungeness crab is not available, any high-quality lump crab meat can be used as a substitute. Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter version, and green onions can be used in place of chives for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The crab mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered. Form and cook the crab cakes just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, use a round mold to form the crab cakes into perfect circles. Serve on a white plate with a drizzle of Violet Mustard Crème Fraîche and a sprinkle of chive flowers for a touch of color.

Pairing Recommendations

A crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the flavors of the Avocado Dungeness Crab Cake, complementing the richness of the avocado and the sweetness of the crab.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover crab cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Avocado Dungeness Crab Cake contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a moderately calorie-dense option, suitable for a main course or a hearty appetizer.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Avocado Dungeness Crab Cake contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the breadcrumbs used in the cakes and the natural sugars present in the crab meat and avocado.

Fats

Thanks to the inclusion of avocado and mayonnaise, these crab cakes are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats. Each serving contains about 22 grams of fat, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Crab meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Each Avocado Dungeness Crab Cake serving provides roughly 24 grams of protein, making it a substantial option for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the lemon juice, Vitamin E, and potassium from the avocado, as well as zinc and selenium from the crab meat. These nutrients support overall health, from immune function to heart health.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are shellfish (crab) and eggs (mayonnaise). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dish.

Summary

Overall, the Avocado Dungeness Crab Cake is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for a meal.

Summary

The Avocado Dungeness Crab Cake is a sophisticated and nutritious dish that combines the best of coastal flavors with the creamy richness of avocado. Perfect for special occasions or as a gourmet appetizer, this recipe is sure to delight with its combination of textures, flavors, and health benefits.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a small slip of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Avocado Dungeness Crab Cakes.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients sounded intriguing. Fresh Dungeness crab meat, ripe avocados, breadcrumbs, and a mix of herbs and spices. It sounded like the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I remember calling up my friend Martha, who was an excellent cook, and inviting her over to help me make the crab cakes. Together, we gathered all the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. Martha showed me how to carefully pick through the crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage, while I mashed up the avocados and mixed in the breadcrumbs and seasonings.

As we formed the mixture into patties and fried them up in a hot skillet, the aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely divine. The sweet and savory scent of the crab meat mingling with the creamy avocado was enough to make our mouths water.

When the crab cakes were finally done cooking, we plated them up and sat down at the table to enjoy our creation. The first bite was pure bliss – the crispy exterior gave way to a tender and flavorful interior, with the richness of the avocado balancing out the sweetness of the crab meat perfectly.

From that day on, Avocado Dungeness Crab Cakes became a staple in my cooking repertoire. Whenever I wanted to impress guests or simply treat myself to a special meal, I would whip up a batch of these delicious cakes. Over the years, I have made them for countless family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home.

As I continued to make the crab cakes, I started to experiment with the recipe, adding in different herbs and seasonings to suit my tastes. Sometimes I would throw in a handful of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Each time I made them, they turned out slightly different, but always delicious.

I also began to share the recipe with friends and family, who were always eager to try my famous Avocado Dungeness Crab Cakes. They would rave about the dish, asking for the recipe so they could make it themselves. It brought me so much joy to see others enjoying something that I had discovered and perfected over the years.

Now, as I look back on that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Avocado Dungeness Crab Cakes, I can't help but feel grateful. It has become more than just a dish – it is a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing good food with the people I care about. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my collection, I will always have a way to bring joy and satisfaction to those around me.

Categories

| American Recipes | Chives Recipes | Dungeness Crab Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Mayonnaise Recipes | Panko Recipes |

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