Crab cakes are such a treat. We rarely have them because of the exorbitant cost of crab meat. You can buy premixed crab cakes at most Super Markets these days, but I find that they have too much breadcrumb filler. But, I still think that some filler is an added bonus and does not take away from the sweet taste of the crab meat. The idea is to achieve a balance, especially when you have three kinds of diced peppers in the mixture.
A wonderful cooling ingredient in this recipe is the cucumber salad that compliments the crab cakes perfectly. We found this to be a perfect meal with grilled sweet corn. I even had the crab cakes the next day for lunch with a tossed salad.
I feel like I owe all of you an update on my health issues. My sprained ankle has healed. I still need surgery to remove plates and pins in my leg, but I can probably wait until later to have it done. We have so much going on this summer and a 3 week trip to Italy in September that it is one of those things that I thought could wait until the quiet months of late fall to confront. When life is so full, why mess it up with surgery? My Doctor agrees. Thanks to all of you for your support.
These crab cakes with cucumber salad are worth your attention. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. We have a beach party on the shores of Lake Lure this Saturday with The Ocean Boulevard Band performing. If you have never heard of beach music or dancing “the shag”, it originated in Myrtle Beach, SC. and is popular in our area. Our Lake Lure Association president is Garrett Humphries. Here is a you tube video of his award winning dancing. David and will try to keep up. Ha!
CRAB CAKES WITH CUCUMBER SALAD
Cucumber Herb Salad:
2 cups cucumber, seeded and julienned
2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon)
1 teaspoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Crab Cakes:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1/4 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 green bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
In a medium serving bowl, mix cucumber, herbs, lemon juice and oil until cucumber is completely coated; season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside until ready to serve.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all crab cake ingredients except olive oil. Using a 1/4 cup, measure out 16 cakes. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick saute pan over medium heat. Sear 4 to 6 cakes until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn crab cakes over and sear for an additional 2 minutes. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining oil and crab cakes. Bake in oven for about 6 to 8 minutes and serve over Cucumber Herb Salad.
They look delicious..
It is something I don’t buy enough..if ever..crab..
I should.
Glad to hear the operation can wait..Italy and summer cannot .
🙂
I agree Monique. Italy will be a special trip. When I am home on crutches, I can remember our vacation.
I know I would love your crab cake recipe with the cucumber salad served alongside…delicious. I’m happy to hear that your ankle has mended and that your surgery can be postponed until after your trip to Italy in September. Enjoy every moment this summer.
Thank you Karen. Good luck with the house sale this summer. I have a feeling your gorgeous house will sell in minutes.
They look delicious Penny and are similar to the ones we make. While visiting friends in SC, they made some that were 2# crab, 1/2 C cream, 3T flour, 2 eggs, S&P and that’s all. Needless to say you could really taste the crab but they were harder to cook and keep together.
I agree Larry. It is hard to keep crab meat together without binding and if you have the ratio right, it is still good.
I love crab cakes and these sound wonderful with your cucumber salad! Glad to hear your ankle is better and that you can post pone your other surgery. Did you get my email?
Hugs,
Penny
Yes! Got it and looking forward to seeing you next week. Girls lunch and antiquing. What more could I want?
We are always longing for crab cakes, but as you said, it just costs too much to make into cakes. But, I like your recipe and the cuke addition. Glad your health is improving and hopefully you will be strong enough for lots of walking this fall. We just bought tickets for France and Italy for next April/May. 😉
Good for you Susan! I am convinced that we need to travel as much as we can while we still can. I am strong now that the ankle is better. The other is just an annoyance.
Cucumbers and crab, what a great pairing!
Glad to hear you are healing well.
Yes, Madonna. It is a great combo. Thanks for the kind words.
Penny, we love crab cakes too and I know what you mean about the price of crab! Our shrimp guy usually sells crab meat with not preservatives from Maine when they are in town and it’s delicious but I did notice the price has gone up since last year. This looks like a delightful recipe! I did watch the video and WOW, that is some fancy footwork 😉
Speaking of footwork, I forgot to say, I’m happy to hear that you’re healing well and can postpone your surgery!
Hi Susan. I may not be doing as much fancy footwork as Garrett, but I can still dance. I am thankful that things are better. I agree about crab meat. Buy it only when it is fresh and not too expensive. Doesn’t happen often.
Hi Penny, oh so glad your ankle is healed and your surgery can wait. Watched the video and that couple can sure dance. Love the crab cakes with the cucumber salad, sounds like the perfect combination.
Cheri, I love to watch Garrett dance. It was funny; he broke a bone is his foot about the same time that I sprained my ankle. We both came to the same association meeting limping. I said “Garrett, this is probably the only time I would ever consider dancing with you”.
We were talking about crab cakes a few days ago…I’ve only made them once and that was years ago. My problem was them falling apart so I was hoping to find a new recipe. Bingo! The cucumber salad sounds so perfect with them.
So glad you are getting around better and don’t miss that trip to Italy!! I’d crawl there if I had to! And have a ball at your beach party–sounds like SO much fun!
Jane x
Thanks Jane. I am getting more and more excited about our Italy trip. Our beach party was great!
Nothing beats a good crab cake & your is gorgeous. Glad to hear your ankle has healed & you’ll be able to go to Italy.
Sam
Thanks Sam. I know you are having a wonderful time in France. Anxious to hear all about it when you get back. We may not be able to join you in July. Kids will be here.
I’m not a big fan of cukes (but LOVE pickles, go figure) but I think this would go great with the crab cakes. You have got me wanting crab cakes now!
I know you would do any crab cakes justice Chris. Thanks.
I am always trying to improve on the crab cake recipe….I am going to give yours a try…I love the idea of the cucumber salad accompanying them. Sounds cook and refreshing…
Enjoy the dance! 🙂
Kate, We had a great time at the dance. It was nice to be able to actually dance after the last 2 months. Hope the crab cakes work out for you. There are so many recipes out there.