Florida Crab Cakes

Florida Crab Cakes Recipe from Italy | Ingredients & Directions

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Florida Crab Cakes are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. These crab cakes are packed with fresh crab meat, vegetables, and seasonings, making them a tasty and satisfying meal.

History

Crab cakes have been a popular dish in Florida for many years, with their origins dating back to the early settlers who first arrived in the state. The recipe has evolved over time, with different variations and ingredients being added to create the perfect crab cake.

Ingredients

1 lb (480 g) crabmeat, preferably lump
2 shallots, minced
0.5 medium red bell pepper, seeded and minced
0.5 medium green bell pepper, seeded and minced
1 rib celery, finely minced
1 large clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp (11 g) minced flat-leaf parsley
0.25 cup (11 g) unseasoned dry bread crumbs
1.5 tsp (7.5 ml) old bay seasoning or other seafood seasoning
0.25 tsp (1.25 ml) freshly ground pepper
0.13 tsp (0.6 ml) cayenne pepper
1 large egg, beaten
refrigerated butter-flavored cooking spray

How to prepare

Pick through the crabmeat, removing any bits of shell.
Place the crabmeat in a bowl and mix it with shallots, bell peppers, celery, garlic, and parsley.
Stir in the bread crumbs, old bay seasoning, finely ground pepper, cayenne pepper, and egg.
Wet your hands with cool water.
Pat the crab mixture into 4 large or 8 small patties.
Wrap the patties in plastic wrap or waxed paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes.
When ready to cook, lightly coat a cast iron or heavy nonstick skillet with cooking spray.
Place the skillet over high heat and add the crab cakes.
Brown the crab cakes for about 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are golden brown and crusty.
Serve the crab cakes hot with the salsa alongside.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use different types of bell peppers for added flavor.
Substitute the bread crumbs with crushed crackers for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pick through the crab meat thoroughly to remove any bits of shell.

- Refrigerating the crab cakes before cooking helps them hold their shape better.

- Cooking the crab cakes in a cast iron or heavy nonstick skillet helps them develop a crispy crust.

Serving Suggestions

Florida Crab Cakes can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to brown the crab cakes on high heat to develop a crispy crust.

- Turning the crab cakes only once helps them hold their shape better.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned crab meat if fresh crab meat is not available.

- Substitute the shallots with onions for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Florida Crab Cakes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Florida Crab Cakes on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of lemon aioli for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Florida Crab Cakes pair well with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Florida Crab Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Florida Crab Cakes contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Florida Crab Cakes contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Florida Crab Cakes contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Florida Crab Cakes contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Florida Crab Cakes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Florida Crab Cakes contain shellfish and gluten from the bread crumbs.

Summary

Florida Crab Cakes are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for seafood lovers.

Summary

Florida Crab Cakes are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. Packed with fresh crab meat, vegetables, and seasonings, these crab cakes are sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Florida Crab Cakes. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend who lived by the coast. She had invited me over for a beach day and lunch, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of seafood cooking.

My friend, Maria, was busy at the stove, flipping crab cakes in a skillet. The golden brown patties sizzled and crackled as they cooked, and my mouth watered at the sight. Maria saw my reaction and laughed, saying, "I learned this recipe from a local fisherman who taught me the secret to making the best crab cakes in Florida."

I begged her to share the recipe with me, and she gladly obliged. She walked me through each step, from picking the freshest crab meat to mixing the perfect combination of spices. As she spoke, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking shining through.

After that day, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Florida Crab Cakes. I visited the local seafood market, where I met a kind old fisherman who shared his knowledge of crab with me. He taught me how to choose the best crab meat and how to handle it with care.

I spent hours in my kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. Sometimes the crab cakes turned out too dry, other times they fell apart in the skillet. But I persisted, determined to recreate the delicious flavor and texture of Maria's crab cakes.

Finally, after many failed attempts, I found the perfect balance of ingredients and cooking methods. The crab cakes were flavorful and moist, with a crispy exterior that made them irresistible. I knew I had captured the essence of Florida seafood in every bite.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Florida Crab Cakes with friends and family. Each time I make them, I am transported back to that summer day by the coast, where Maria first introduced me to this culinary gem. The memories of learning the recipe and the joy of cooking it for loved ones fill my heart with warmth and happiness.

Now, whenever I make Florida Crab Cakes, I think of Maria and the old fisherman who taught me their secrets. I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me as a cook and for the delicious dishes that have brought people together around my table. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating memories and sharing love through food. And for me, Florida Crab Cakes will always hold a special place in my heart.