Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce

Creamy Pepper Sauce Crab Cakes Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of lump crabmeat, seasonings, and a creamy pepper sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Crab cakes have been a popular dish in coastal regions for centuries. The combination of crabmeat, seasonings, and breadcrumbs has been a staple in seafood cuisine for generations. The addition of a creamy pepper sauce adds a zesty twist to this classic dish, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

Creamy pepper sauce

2 whole jarred roasted red peppers, drained
0.5 cup mayonnaise
ground black pepper

Crab cakes

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
0.5 onion, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 egg white
2 tbsp ground walnuts
2 tbsp chopped italian parsley
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
1.5 tsp crab boil seasoning, such as old bay
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.5 tsp mustard powder
0.25 tsp celery seeds, crushed
0.5 tsp ground paprika
1 lb (454 g) lump crabmeat, flaked and drained
0.5 tsp hot pepper sauce
1 cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
sprig italian parsley, for garnish

How to prepare

Creamy pepper sauce

Puree the roasted peppers in a food processor or blender.
Add the mayonnaise and desired amount of black pepper, then briefly process to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a small bowl.

Crab cakes

Heat the oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and celery, and cook for 5 minutes or until they become soft. Remove them to a large bowl.
Stir in the egg white, walnuts, parsley, mayonnaise, lemon juice, crab boil seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, celery seeds, and paprika.
Blend the mixture with a fork.
Stir in the crabmeat and hot-pepper sauce, and mix thoroughly.
Form the mixture into 8 patties.
Place the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl, and roll the patties in the bread crumbs until they are completely coated.
Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat.
If necessary, work in batches. Add the crab cakes and cook for 2 minutes.
Cover and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until the bottom is browned.
Coat the tops of the crab cakes with cooking spray, then turn them over.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes, uncovered, or until they turn golden brown.
Serve the crab cakes with the sauce dolloped in dots on the plate.
Garnish with parsley.

Variations

Substitute lump crabmeat with canned crabmeat for a more budget-friendly option.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
Use different seasonings such as Cajun seasoning or seafood seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the roasted red peppers well before pureeing them for the creamy pepper sauce.

- When forming the crab cake patties, be gentle to avoid breaking up the lump crabmeat.

- Cooking the crab cakes in batches ensures that they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

- Serve the crab cakes immediately after cooking to enjoy them at their best.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the crab cakes in a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking.

- Use a food processor or blender to puree the roasted red peppers for the creamy pepper sauce.

- Coat the crab cakes with breadcrumbs before cooking to create a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute ground walnuts with breadcrumbs for a nut-free option.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.

- Replace lump crabmeat with shredded crabmeat for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the crab cake mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook.

- Make the creamy pepper sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the crab cakes with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color. - Serve the crab cakes on a bed of mixed greens for an elegant presentation. - Drizzle extra creamy pepper sauce on top of the crab cakes for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Pair the dish with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the crab cakes in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

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

Summary

Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in proteins and fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers.

Summary

Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With a crispy exterior and a creamy pepper sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this mouthwatering meal as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

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 had just returned from a trip to the local farmers market with a basket full of fresh vegetables and seafood. As I was unloading my haul onto the kitchen counter, I noticed a small, weathered piece of paper tucked away in the back of my recipe box.

Curious, I pulled it out and unfolded it carefully. The title at the top read "Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce." My heart skipped a beat as I scanned the list of ingredients and instructions. It sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I had never made crab cakes before, but I was excited to learn. The recipe called for lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and a few other ingredients. The creamy pepper sauce was made with red bell peppers, garlic, cream, and a touch of hot sauce.

I set to work gathering all of the necessary ingredients and prepping my kitchen for the culinary adventure ahead. As I mixed together the crab cake ingredients, the aroma of seafood and spices filled the air. I could already tell this was going to be a recipe worth remembering.

After shaping the crab cakes and letting them chill in the refrigerator for a bit, I moved on to making the creamy pepper sauce. As I sautéed the red bell peppers and garlic in a skillet, the colors and flavors blended together perfectly. The creamy sauce came together beautifully, with just the right amount of spice and tanginess.

Finally, it was time to cook the crab cakes. I heated up some oil in a pan and carefully placed each one into the sizzling skillet. The sizzle and pop of the crab cakes as they cooked was music to my ears. I flipped them over once they were golden brown on one side, and marveled at how perfectly they held together.

As I plated the crab cakes and drizzled the creamy pepper sauce on top, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the crab meat, the crunch of the breadcrumbs, the tanginess of the mustard and Worcestershire sauce, and the creaminess of the pepper sauce all came together in perfect harmony.

I savored each bite, relishing in the fact that I had discovered a new favorite recipe. I made a mental note to share it with my family and friends, knowing that they would love it just as much as I did.

Since that fateful day, Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce has become a staple in my recipe repertoire. I have made it countless times for special occasions, family gatherings, and quiet nights at home. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the joy of discovering new recipes and the satisfaction of sharing them with the ones I love.

As I look back on that summer day when I found the recipe for Zesty Crab Cakes with Creamy Pepper Sauce, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey it has taken me on. It is a reminder that food has the power to bring people together, create memories, and nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.