Crab Cakes Uncovered: What Do Crab Cakes Taste Like?

Crab cakes, right? We all think we know what they’re like. Some say it’s the sea giving a high-five to our mouths.

Ever tried one? They’re like a dance party for your palate. Crab is the star, grooving with spices and breadcrumbs.

We’ve had our share. Believe us, not all crab cakes hit the same. Some are soggy, some are crispy perfection.

What makes or breaks them? That’s what we’re here to chat about.

Our dives into crab cake territory have been wild. From fancy restaurants to paper-plate diners by the sea.

We’re bringing you the real scoop. No frills, just the straight goods on what to expect.

Stay with us. You’ll want to hear this.

What are Crab Cakes?

Crab cakes fall under the variety of fishcakes that are extremely popular in the US, especially in Virginia and Maryland.

Out there, crab cakes are considered a staple food, thanks to the abundance of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay.

It is made with crab meat, mustard, eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and seasonings.

Crabmeat is the core ingredient, while other ingredients can be switched depending on your preference.

Though any crab species can be used, the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crabs are the traditional choice.

Plus, they’re considered to create the best-tasting crab cakes.

And it is for this reason, many fish markets and restaurants market their crab cake products as “Maryland-Style Crab Cake” or “Maryland Crab Cake,” which simply means that the crabmeat is sourced from the region’s blue crabs.

For those who have never tasted or seen a crab cake before, you can think of it like a fish patty made with seasoned lump crab meat that’s further covered in breadcrumbs.

Finally, the cake is cooked by any of these methods: deep-fried, broiled, sautéed, grilled, or baked.

What Do Crab Cakes Taste Like?

The taste of crab cakes differs greatly depending on the quality of crab meat and ingredients.

For instance, while there are people who love making savory crab cakes, others only stick to soft and sweet ones.

On the whole, traditional crab cakes are mildly sweet in flavor.

According to chefs, they’re supposed to be soft and salty.

The squishy white crab meat resembles chicken or steak but does not necessarily taste the same.

The taste of crab cakes is similar to fish.

However, it doesn’t leave a “fishy” aftertaste on your taste buds.

That’s because most people season crab cakes with salt, butter, or Old Bay seasonings, thus covering the fish-like taste.

When it comes to the nutritional value of crabcakes, there is often a debate.

While some people consider it a healthy snack and often recommend it for weight loss, others suggest you steer clear from them due to the high levels of fat and cholesterol.

So, what should you do? Well, it really depends on how you cook your crabcakes.

If you’re a health freak, maybe you can take it easy on the fatty oil or replace it with olive oil.

Another healthy option is to bake your crabcakes instead of deep-frying them.

On a bright note, crabcakes (since they’re made of crab meat) are an excellent source of protein.

How to Cook Crab Cakes?

Crab cakes might sound and taste fancy.

But in reality, they’re super easy to make and an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Before getting into the cooking process, make sure that you have the right kind of crabmeat.

While the best option is fresh crabmeat (especially blue crabs), it’s hard to come by.

So, you can opt for pasteurized crabmeat, which you can easily find at the supermarket.

Go for lump or jumbo lump crabmeat for best results.

Avoid anything that’s flaky or fine.

If you don’t like the fishy flavor, you can soak the crabmeat in milk for a few minutes.

For a healthy cooking option, stick to baking your crab cakes.

You can do so by preheating your oven at 350°F.

Then bake your crab cakes for about 15-20minutes.

When it comes to frying your crab cakes, about 3-5 minutes per side should be enough.

Broiling the cakes will take around 8-10 minutes on each side.

Regardless of the cooking technique you choose, make sure that your crab cakes are well cooked and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Final Thought

Since its creation in the 1930s, crab crabs have grown in popularity.

They’re commonly served in top-tier restaurants as well as savored in the comfort of homes.

Whether you buy it from the deli or make your own crab cakes at home, you’ll instantly fall in love with these meaty patties, especially if you’re a seafood fan.

So, if you haven’t tried them yet, go ahead and check out this delicious crab cake recipe.

Make some for you and your loved ones, and enjoy.