The recipe for these homemade crab cakes with Key Lime Mayonnaise and Mango Salsa sounds absolutely delightful!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs (about 20 crackers)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 small pepper)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup, plus 1/3 cup mayonnaise, divided
- 1 lb. fresh lump crabmeat, drained and picked over
- 1/2 tsp. Key lime zest plus 1 Tbsp. juice (from 1 Key lime)
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- Mango Salsa
- Mixed greens (optional)
- Key lime slices, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Form Crab Cakes:
- In a medium bowl, stir together cracker crumbs, red bell pepper, scallions, egg yolks, salt, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise until well combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh lump crabmeat until evenly mixed.
- Form the crab mixture into 4 patties, each about 3 to 3 1/2 inches wide.
- Make Key Lime Mayonnaise:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Key lime zest, Key lime juice, and the remaining 1/3 cup of mayonnaise until combined. Set it aside.
- Cook Crab Cakes:
- In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy.
- Add the crab cakes to the skillet and cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent overbrowning.
- Garnish and serve:
- Serve the crab cakes with Mango Salsa, Key Lime Mayonnaise, and optional mixed greens.
- Garnish the crab cakes with additional chopped scallions and Key lime slices, if desired.
As the summer sun sets over the horizon, coastal indulgence takes on a new meaning. Picture yourself by the beach, toes in the sand, the gentle ocean breeze caressing your skin, and a plate of golden, crispy crab cakes in front of you. The anticipation builds as you take a bite, savoring the tender, faintly sweet flaky crab meat encased in a crunchy crust. These homemade crab cakes with Key Lime Mayonnaise and Mango Salsa offer a true taste of vacation splendor, and the best part? You can whip them up in the comfort of your own home.
The Quest for Fresh Crab Meat:
While vacationing at the coast may seem like the perfect time to indulge in crab cakes, you don’t need to wait for your next beach trip to enjoy this culinary delight. Fresh crab meat is readily available at your local seafood market, waiting to be transformed into a delectable treat. Be sure to pick through the crab meat for any leftover bits of shell – you wouldn’t want a crunchy surprise that isn’t part of the recipe!
The Art of Crafting Crab Cakes:
Making these crab cakes is simpler than you might imagine. Begin by finely crushing saltine cracker crumbs and adding finely chopped red bell pepper and scallions. Mix in the egg yolks, kosher salt, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of mayonnaise. Gently fold in the fresh lump crabmeat, taking care to maintain the flaky texture. Form the mixture into perfectly sized patties, each about 3 to 3 1/2 inches wide.
The Essence of the Coast: Key Lime Mayonnaise:
No coastal indulgence is complete without a touch of zest. In a small bowl, whisk together Key lime zest and juice with mayonnaise to create a tangy Key Lime Mayonnaise. This zesty and creamy condiment perfectly complements the delicate flavors of the crab cakes, adding a refreshing and bright dimension to the dish.
Mango Salsa: A Tropical Oasis on Your Plate:
Now, let’s talk about the Mango Salsa. Picture ripe, juicy mangoes, finely diced and mixed with the right balance of red bell pepper, scallions, and Key lime juice. This tropical oasis on your plate adds a burst of color and flavors that harmonize beautifully with the crab cakes. It’s a symphony of sweet and tangy, a salsa that transports you to a sun-kissed paradise with every spoonful.
The Sizzle of the Skillet:
With the crab cakes formed and the Key Lime Mayonnaise and Mango Salsa ready to go, it’s time to cook the crab cakes. Heat a generous amount of unsalted butter in a large cast-iron skillet until it sizzles, creating a perfect canvas for frying. Gently place the crab cakes in the skillet, allowing the butter to infuse the cakes with its rich aroma. Watch as they turn a glorious golden brown, their crusts achieving the coveted crispy texture while the crab meat inside becomes tender and succulent.
A Coastal Symphony on Your Plate:
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for – the plating. Arrange the crab cakes on your serving dish with a generous dollop of the zesty Key Lime Mayonnaise on the side. Crown each cake with a spoonful of the vibrant Mango Salsa, garnishing with additional scallions and Key lime slices if desired. The sight is nothing short of a coastal symphony on your plate – a masterpiece of colors, textures, and flavors that beckon you to dive in.
Savoring the Vacation Bliss:
As you take that first bite, you’re transported to the shores of a sandy beach, where the waves gently lap at the shore and the sun dances on the horizon. The crab cakes are a true coastal indulgence, a testament to the joys of vacation splurges. Each mouthful delights your senses, the crispy exterior giving way to the tender and sweet crab meat inside. The Key Lime Mayonnaise adds a zesty kick, while the Mango Salsa infuses each bite with a tropical burst.
A Culinary Journey to the Coast:
Homemade crab cakes with Key Lime Mayonnaise and Mango Salsa are more than just a dish; they’re a culinary journey that evokes memories of sandy beaches, salt-kissed air, and the carefree spirit of coastal bliss. The best part is that you can recreate this experience whenever you please, right in the comfort of your own home.
So, why wait for your next beach trip to indulge in this coastal delight? Embrace the vacation spirit, savor the flavors, and let the homemade crab cakes transport you to a place where time stands still, and the essence of the coast lingers in every bite.
Yes, that’s the correct recap of the recipe! It sounds absolutely delicious and perfect for enjoying the coastal flavors at home. The combination of crispy crab cakes with tangy Key Lime Mayonnaise and refreshing Mango Salsa is sure to be a delightful treat.
Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply want to treat yourself to a vacation-inspired meal, these homemade crab cakes are a fantastic choice. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and the feeling of being at the coast right in the comfort of your own home!
This recipe is perfect for indulging in the flavors of the coast right in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy these crispy and flavorful crab cakes with the tangy Key Lime Mayonnaise and the refreshing Mango Salsa for a delicious vacation-inspired treat!
