If you're looking for a delicious and unique seafood recipe to try, look no further than Chinese crab cakes. This dish takes traditional crab cakes to the next level with the addition of Chinese-inspired flavours and ingredients. With a crispy exterior and a tender, flavourful interior, these crab cakes are sure to impress your guests or family.
To make Chinese crab cakes, you'll need a few key ingredients, including fresh crab meat, ginger, scallions, and sesame oil. These ingredients work together to create a complex and delicious flavour profile that is both savoury and slightly sweet. You can also experiment with adding other seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to the recipe for additional flavour and texture.
Preparing the crab cakes is a simple process that involves mixing the ingredients together, forming them into patties, and then frying them until golden brown. Once cooked, the crab cakes can be served with a variety of accompaniments and sauces, such as tartar sauce or sweet chilli sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, and is sure to become a favourite in your recipe collection.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese crab cakes are a unique and flavourful twist on traditional crab cakes.
- Key ingredients include fresh crab meat, ginger, scallions, and sesame oil.
- These crab cakes can be served with a variety of accompaniments and sauces for a delicious and versatile meal.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making Chinese crab cakes, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have on hand. These include lump crab meat, binding ingredients, and seasoning and flavour enhancers.
Selecting the Best Crab Meat
The quality of the crab meat you use in your Chinese crab cakes is crucial. You want to look for lump crab meat that is fresh, sweet, and moist. Avoid using canned crab meat, as it can be too salty and have an unpleasant texture. If you can't find lump crab meat, you can also use other types of seafood such as prawns, scallops, or lobster meat.
Binding Ingredients
The binding ingredients are what hold the crab cakes together. You'll need eggs and breadcrumbs for this. The eggs help to bind the crab meat together, while the breadcrumbs add a bit of texture and absorb any excess moisture. You can use either fresh or dried breadcrumbs, but make sure they are finely ground.
Seasoning and Flavour Enhancers
To give your Chinese crab cakes that signature flavour, you'll need to use a few seasoning and flavour enhancers. Old Bay seasoning is a popular choice, as it contains a blend of spices that pair well with seafood. Salt and pepper are also essential, as they help to bring out the natural flavour of the crab meat. Finally, mayonnaise is often used to add a bit of creaminess and tanginess to the mixture.
When making your Chinese crab cakes, feel free to experiment with different types of seafood and seasonings to find the combination that works best for you. With these essential ingredients, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and flavourful crab cakes that are sure to impress.
Preparing the Crab Cakes
Mixing the Ingredients
To start making your Chinese crab cakes, you will need to mix together the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the lump crab meat, eggs, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and any other seasoning you desire. You can also add in other seafood such as shrimp or scallops to enhance the flavor.
Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. You can use a fork or your hands to do this. Make sure to not overmix the ingredients as this can make the crab cakes tough.
Forming the Patties
Once the ingredients are mixed, it's time to form the patties. Take a small amount of the mixture and form it into a patty shape with your hands. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
Next, coat the patties in panko bread crumbs. This will give them a crispy texture when fried. You can also use regular bread crumbs or a mixture of both.
Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the crab cakes to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown.
Remove the crab cakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve the crab cakes hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
By following these simple steps, you can make delicious Chinese crab cakes that are sure to impress your guests.
Cooking Techniques
Frying for a Golden Brown Finish
Frying is a classic cooking technique that can be used to achieve a crispy, golden brown finish on your Chinese crab cakes. To fry your crab cakes, heat up a frying pan or skillet over medium heat with a generous amount of oil or butter. Once the oil is hot, carefully place your crab cakes in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
When frying your crab cakes, it's important to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, to prevent the oil from burning and imparting a bitter taste to your dish. You can also use a non-stick pan to prevent your crab cakes from sticking to the pan and breaking apart.
Baking as a Healthier Alternative
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to frying, baking your crab cakes is a great option. To bake your crab cakes, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your crab cakes on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Baking your crab cakes is a great way to reduce the amount of oil and fat in your dish, making it a healthier option. You can also experiment with different types of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to add variety to your recipe.
Remember to keep an eye on your crab cakes while they're cooking, and be sure to remove them from the heat once they're cooked through to prevent them from becoming dry and overcooked.
By following these simple cooking techniques, you can easily create delicious and crispy Chinese crab cakes that are sure to impress your guests.
Accompaniments and Sauces
No crab cake recipe is complete without a delicious sauce to accompany it. Here are some of our favourite sauces to serve with Chinese crab cakes.
Classic Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a classic accompaniment to seafood dishes, and crab cakes are no exception. To make a simple tartar sauce, mix together mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, capers, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. For a twist on the classic recipe, add some finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill or chives.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
If you like your food with a bit of a kick, then this spicy sriracha mayo is the perfect sauce for you. Simply mix together mayonnaise and sriracha sauce to taste. Add a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty twist. This sauce is also great for dipping fries or vegetables.
Refreshing Citrus Dressing
For a lighter option, try a refreshing citrus dressing. Mix together lime juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is perfect for drizzling over a salad of mixed greens and seafood, or for dipping your crab cakes in.
Remember, when choosing seafood to use in your crab cake recipe, opt for sustainable and local options where possible. Some great options include crab meat, prawns or lobster.
Serving Suggestions
Once you've made your delicious Chinese crab cakes, it's time to think about how to serve them. Here are some suggestions for how to enjoy your homemade crab cakes:
Appetizer
If you're serving Chinese crab cakes as an appetizer, consider pairing them with a dipping sauce. A simple soy sauce and rice vinegar sauce can be a great option, or you could try a spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce. Serve the crab cakes on a platter with the dipping sauce on the side, and watch them disappear quickly.
Main Course
Chinese crab cakes can also be served as a main course. One option is to serve them on a bed of greens, such as mixed baby greens or spinach, with a light dressing. Alternatively, you could serve them with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Salad
For a lighter option, try serving your Chinese crab cakes on top of a salad. A mix of cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper, dressed with a lime and sesame oil vinaigrette, makes a refreshing and flavourful base. Top with the crab cakes and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.
Seafood
If you're a seafood lover, consider adding some additional seafood to your Chinese crab cakes. Shrimp or scallops can be chopped and mixed in with the crab meat for added texture and flavour. Alternatively, you could serve the crab cakes with a side of grilled prawns or a seafood salad for a truly ocean-inspired meal.
These are just a few suggestions for how to serve your Chinese crab cakes. Get creative and try out different combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy this delicious dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to keeping crab cakes from crumbling?
The secret to keeping crab cakes from crumbling is to make sure that the crab meat is well-drained and not too wet. You can do this by gently squeezing the crab meat in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Additionally, make sure that the crab cake mixture is well-combined and not too dry or too wet. You can add more breadcrumbs or mayonnaise as necessary to achieve the right consistency.
Can you suggest a simple way to make Chinese-style crab cakes?
To make Chinese-style crab cakes, you can add some Asian-inspired ingredients to your traditional crab cake mix. For example, you can add some chopped scallions, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to the mix. You can also use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crispier texture. For a seafood twist, you can also add some chopped shrimp or prawns to the mix.
What ingredients go into a traditional crab cake mix?
A traditional crab cake mix usually includes crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and some spices such as Old Bay seasoning or paprika. You can also add some chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers for extra flavour and texture.
What's a good sauce to accompany crab cakes?
A good sauce to accompany crab cakes is tartar sauce, which is a mixture of mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and lemon juice. You can also serve crab cakes with cocktail sauce, remoulade sauce, or aioli. For an Asian twist, you can serve crab cakes with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.
How should one cook pre-made crab cakes for the best results?
To cook pre-made crab cakes for the best results, you can either bake them in the oven or fry them in a pan. If you're baking them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the crab cakes for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. If you're frying them, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the crab cakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Could you share a recipe for mini crab cakes with an Asian twist?
Sure, here's a simple recipe for mini crab cakes with an Asian twist:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (170g) crab meat, drained
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, scallions, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into small patties about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the crab cakes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the crab cakes with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce. Enjoy!