Tommy Bahama Crab Cakes

These delicious crab cakes are easy to prepare and will be a hit with family and guests.

Tommy Bahama Crab Cakes are a delectable seafood dish that captures the essence of coastal cuisine. These crab cakes feature tender lump crabmeat mixed with a flavorful combination of onions, seasonings, and breadcrumbs, all bound together with an egg. They are then pan-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist and succulent interior.

The star ingredient of these crab cakes is the lump crabmeat, which provides a delicate and sweet flavor that shines through in every bite. Carefully mixed with finely chopped green onion, minced red onion, and minced yellow onion, the crabmeat is enhanced with layers of aromatic onion flavors that complement the seafood.

The addition of Old Bay Seasoning, salt, black pepper, and celery salt adds a well-balanced blend of savory and aromatic notes to the crab cakes. These seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the crabmeat without overpowering it, creating a harmonious taste profile.

To bind the ingredients together, an egg is used, ensuring that the crab cakes hold their shape during cooking. Panko bread crumbs and flour provide a light and crispy texture, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

Pan-frying the crab cakes in butter results in a beautiful golden brown crust, adding both flavor and visual appeal. The buttery exterior pairs perfectly with the tender and moist interior, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

Tommy Bahama Crab Cakes are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a seafood platter. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a refreshing salad, creamy aioli, or tangy tartar sauce. These crab cakes bring the flavors of the coast right to your plate, offering a taste of indulgence and the sensation of dining by the ocean.

SERVES: 6–8

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 3/4 pounds lump crabmeat
• 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
• 4 tablespoons minced red onion
• 3 tablespoons minced yellow onion
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 3 tablespoons butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the lump crabmeat, finely chopped green onion, minced red onion, minced yellow onion, egg, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, Panko bread crumbs, flour, black pepper, and celery salt. Be careful not to break up the crabmeat as you mix.
2. Portion the crab cake mixture into 6 large or 8 small patties, shaping them with your hands.
3. Heat a nonstick sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter.
4. Place the crab cakes in the pan and brown them on both sides, cooking until they are golden and crispy.

VARIATIONS:

• Spicy Crab Cakes: Add a kick of heat to your crab cakes by incorporating some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture. This will give your crab cakes a fiery twist and add a depth of flavor.
• Citrus Crab Cakes: Enhance the freshness of the crabmeat by adding some citrus zest to the mixture. Try grating the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange into the crab cake mixture for a bright and tangy flavor profile.
• Herb-infused Crab Cakes: Experiment with different herbs to impart a fragrant and aromatic element to your crab cakes. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill can be finely chopped and added to the mixture for an extra layer of freshness.
• Dipping Sauces: Elevate your crab cakes by serving them with various dipping sauces. Classic options like tartar sauce or remoulade are always a hit, but you can also get creative with spicy aioli, tangy citrus-infused mayo, or even a tropical fruit salsa for a refreshing twist.
• Crab Cake Sliders: Instead of shaping the crab mixture into larger patties, form them into smaller sliders. Serve them on mini burger buns with lettuce, tomato slices, and a dollop of your favorite sauce. This variation is perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer option.
• Crab Cake Benedict: Take your brunch game to the next level by using the crab cakes as the base for Eggs Benedict. Top the crab cakes with poached eggs and drizzle with hollandaise sauce for an indulgent and luxurious twist on a classic dish.