Mouth-Watering Dungeness Crab Cakes Recipe: From Ocean to Plate
The Irresistible Charm of Dungeness Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a timeless seafood favorite, beloved for their perfect combination of tender, flavorful crab meat and a golden, crispy exterior. While Maryland-style crab cakes often steal the spotlight, Dungeness crab cakes bring a distinct sweetness and richness that seafood lovers can’t resist.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about buying, preparing, and cooking Dungeness crab for the most delectable crab cakes you've ever tasted.
What is Dungeness Crab?
Dungeness crab hails from the chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. Named after the Dungeness Spit in Washington, this species has been a prized delicacy for centuries, even harvested by Native Americans long before commercial fishing began.
Why Choose Dungeness Crab?
- Sweet Flavor: The meat is delicately sweet with a slightly nutty undertone.
- Firm Texture: Unlike the flaky texture of blue crab, Dungeness crab offers hearty chunks of meat.
- Size: Weighing 2–3 pounds on average, a single Dungeness crab yields plenty of meat for crab cakes, soups, or salads.
Where to Buy Dungeness Crab
If you're on the West Coast, you can find live or freshly cooked Dungeness crab in local seafood markets during crab season (November to February). For everyone else, buying frozen Dungeness crab online is your best bet.
Top Products for Dungeness Crab Lovers:
- Dungeness Crab Clusters
- Merus Crab Meat
- Live Dungeness Crab
- Whole Dungeness Crab
- Dungeness Crab Meat
How to Clean and Prepare Dungeness Crab
Cleaning Cooked Dungeness Crab
- Flip the crab on its back and remove the triangular "apron" from its belly.
- Remove the top shell and discard the gills and innards.
- Rinse the crab thoroughly under cold water.
- Crack the legs and claws at the joints to access the meat.
Cleaning Live Dungeness Crab Before Cooking
- Hold the crab by its legs and twist off the top shell.
- Remove the apron, gills, and innards.
- Rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- Cut the crab in half for easier handling during cooking.
Cooking Dungeness Crab
Boiling Dungeness Crab
- Live Crab: Boil for 20 minutes.
- Pre-Cooked Crab: Boil for 5–7 minutes to reheat.
Steaming Dungeness Crab
- Steam for 18–20 minutes for live crab or 7 minutes for pre-cooked crab.
Dungeness Crab Cakes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds of Dungeness crab meat
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 1 minced onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (add more if needed)
- 1 egg white
- Juice from ½ lime
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Let cool.
- Combine the onion mixture with crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg white, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into six patties and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan. Cook each patty for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve with garlic aioli and lemon wedges.
Garlic Aioli Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- Juice from 1 lemon
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve as a dipping sauce for your crab cakes.
What to Serve with Dungeness Crab Cakes
Enhance your meal with these complementary side dishes:
- Grilled Vegetables: Add smoky flavors with asparagus or zucchini.
- Fresh Salads: A citrus-dressed green salad pairs beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Rich and creamy to balance the light crab.
Dungeness Crab Nutrition
A single crab cake (approximately 260 calories) offers:
- High protein content
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Essential vitamins and minerals
For a lighter option, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream in the recipe.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Seafood Experience
Dungeness crab cakes bring a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this recipe promises to impress with its rich flavors and simplicity. Don’t wait for a trip to the West Coast—order high-quality Dungeness crab online and bring this Pacific delicacy to your table!
Explore Our Selection:
- Dungeness Crab Clusters
- Merus Crab Meat
- Live Dungeness Crab
- Whole Dungeness Crab
- Dungeness Crab Meat
Watch Recipes on YouTube: Global Seafoods YouTube
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