Elegant Southern Seafood Cake

Elegant Southern Seafood Cake Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Elegant Southern Seafood Cake recipe is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the flavors of lump crabmeat, shrimp, flounder, and scallops with a crispy cornbread coating. Perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

History

The Southern Seafood Cake recipe has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where seafood is abundant and often used in a variety of dishes. This particular recipe puts a modern twist on the classic crab cake by incorporating a mix of different seafood and a cornbread coating.

Ingredients

1 package of prepared cornbread mix
1 small red onion
1 small red bell pepper
1 small green bell pepper
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp of olive oil
1 lb (454 g) of lump crabmeat
0.5 lb (227 g) of shrimp
0.5 lb (227 g) of flounder fillets
0.25 lb (113 g) of scallops
0.5 cup of mayonnaise
2 tsp of lime juice
0.13 tsp of cayenne
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of white pepper
6 tsp of clarified butter

How to prepare

Prepare the cornbread according to the package directions in advance. Let it cool and process it in a food processor until it becomes fine crumbs. Set it aside.
Finely chop the onion.
Remove the seeds and veins from the peppers and chop them into small pieces.
Peel, chop, and finely crush the garlic.
In a frying pan, sauté the onion in hot olive oil for 4 minutes.
Add the peppers and garlic to the pan and continue cooking until the peppers are almost tender.
Meanwhile, peel the shrimp and coarsely chop the shrimp, scallops, and flounder.
Remove the onion and pepper mixture from heat and add the seafood, mayonnaise, and lime juice.
Gently stir the mixture to prevent breaking up the crab.
Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Shape the mixture into patties and coat both sides with the cornbread crumbs.
When ready to serve, heat 2 tbsp of clarified butter in the frying pan over a moderately high flame. Sauté 3 cakes at a time for 2 minutes on each side.
Add more butter if necessary.

Variations

Substitute the seafood with your favorite combination of fish and shellfish.
Add diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use a different type of bread crumbs for the coating, such as panko or seasoned breadcrumbs.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the seafood.

- Gently mix the seafood mixture to prevent breaking up the crabmeat.

- Coating the cakes in cornbread crumbs adds a delicious crunch and texture to the dish.

- Sauté the cakes in clarified butter for a rich and flavorful finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Elegant Southern Seafood Cakes with a side of coleslaw and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a refreshing and light meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the seafood cakes in clarified butter gives them a rich and buttery flavor, while also creating a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the seafood mixture and shape the cakes in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Elegant Southern Seafood Cakes on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of aioli for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover seafood cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Elegant Southern Seafood Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Elegant Southern Seafood Cake contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Elegant Southern Seafood Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Elegant Southern Seafood Cake contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (crab, shrimp, scallops) and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Elegant Southern Seafood Cake is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Elegant Southern Seafood Cake is a delicious and elegant dish that combines a mix of seafood with a crispy cornbread coating. Perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its flavors and presentation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. I was at a quaint little seafood restaurant in the heart of the South, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of freshly caught fish and savory spices. As I perused the menu, my eyes landed on a dish that seemed to beckon me with its elegance and promise of delicious flavors - the Elegant Southern Seafood Cake.

Intrigued, I asked the waiter about this mysterious dish. He smiled knowingly and told me that it was a specialty of the house, a secret recipe passed down through generations. My curiosity piqued, I knew I had to try it for myself. Little did I know, this decision would set me on a culinary journey that would forever change the way I viewed cooking.

After savoring every last bite of the Seafood Cake, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The delicate blend of tender crab meat, succulent shrimp, and sweet scallops, all held together with a light and fluffy cake, was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Determined, I set out to uncover the secrets of this exquisite dish. I started by asking the chef at the restaurant if he would be willing to share the recipe with me. He chuckled and shook his head, telling me that it was a closely guarded family secret. Undeterred, I turned to the only other person who might have the answer - my dear friend, Mrs. Beaumont.

Mrs. Beaumont was a seasoned cook with a passion for creating delicious dishes that delighted the senses. She had a vast collection of recipes from all over the world, each one carefully curated and perfected through years of trial and error. I knew that if anyone could help me unravel the mystery of the Elegant Southern Seafood Cake, it was her.

I invited Mrs. Beaumont over for tea, hoping that she would be willing to share her knowledge with me. As we sat at the kitchen table, sipping on steaming cups of Earl Grey, I broached the subject of the Seafood Cake. Mrs. Beaumont's eyes lit up with excitement as she began to recount the story of how she had first come across the recipe.

"It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Charleston," she began. "I had the privilege of working as a kitchen assistant for a wealthy family, who had a renowned chef in their employ. One day, he decided to try his hand at creating a seafood dish that would rival anything else in the South. And thus, the Elegant Southern Seafood Cake was born."

Mrs. Beaumont went on to explain that the chef had spent months perfecting the recipe, tweaking and adjusting until he had created a masterpiece that wowed everyone who tasted it. She had been fortunate enough to be in the kitchen when he was making it, and had watched with rapt attention as he worked his magic.

As she spoke, I could see the passion and excitement in her eyes, and I knew that I was on the right track. Mrs. Beaumont had a wealth of knowledge and experience that I could tap into, and I was eager to learn all that she had to teach me.

Over the next few weeks, Mrs. Beaumont and I spent countless hours in the kitchen, experimenting and perfecting our own version of the Elegant Southern Seafood Cake. We tried different combinations of seafood, played with seasonings and spices, and tested various cooking methods until we had created a dish that we were both proud of.

The day finally came when we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. As we sliced into the Seafood Cake and took our first bite, a wave of satisfaction washed over me. The flavors were exquisite, the textures perfect, and the essence of the South shone through in every bite.

From that day on, the Elegant Southern Seafood Cake became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I shared it with friends and family, and it quickly became a favorite at gatherings and dinner parties. Each time I made it, I couldn't help but think back to that fateful day at the seafood restaurant, when I first laid eyes on this captivating dish.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for the Elegant Southern Seafood Cake, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have inspired and guided me along the way. From the talented chef at the restaurant, to my dear friend Mrs. Beaumont, to the countless hours spent in my own kitchen perfecting the dish - each one has played a part in shaping me into the cook that I am today.

And so, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will cherish it as much as I have. May it bring you joy and delight, and may it inspire you to continue exploring the wonderful world of cooking and creating delicious dishes that nourish both body and soul. Bon appétit!