Crab cakes are a delicious meal that can be enjoyed year-round. While making crab cakes from scratch results in the best flavor, store-bought crab cakes offer convenience and can still taste great when cooked properly. The key to cooking pre-made crab cakes is to handle them gently, avoid overcooking, and use simple seasonings and sauces to enhance their flavor. With a few simple tips, you can cook frozen or refrigerated crab cakes from the store for a quick and tasty meal.
Thawing and Handling Store Bought Crab Cakes
The first step in cooking store bought crab cakes is knowing how to properly thaw and handle them. Here are some key tips:
- If the crab cakes are frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Do not try to thaw them on the counter or in warm water, as this can cause the outside to thaw first and become soggy.
- Avoid handling the crab cakes too much. They are delicate and can easily fall apart if disturbed too much.
- Gently separate any crab cakes that are stuck together after thawing. Try not to break them up.
- Use a wide spatula or your hands to transfer the crab cakes to the cooking surface or plate. Crab cakes can break apart if you try to move them with tongs or a narrow spatula.
Properly thawing and gently handling the store bought crab cakes will help them hold together during cooking for the best results.
Choosing a Cooking Method
There are a few different cooking methods that work well for crab cakes:
Pan-Frying
Pan-frying is a quick and easy way to cook crab cakes on the stovetop. Here’s how:
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Gently place the crab cakes in the skillet. Do not overcrowd them.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Flip them gently with a spatula.
- Optional: You can keep the crab cakes warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet if cooking them in batches.
Baking
Baking gives an even, gentle heat that keeps crab cakes moist:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place crab cakes on a lightly greased baking sheet or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, gently flipping halfway through, until hot and golden brown.
Grilling
Grilling lends smoky flavor and nice char marks:
- Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
- Place crab cakes gently on the hot grill and cook uncovered for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Have an aluminum foil covered baking sheet ready to transfer the cooked crab cakes to keep them warm.
Choose pan-frying for quick weeknight meals, baking for more gentle heat, or grilling when you want that charbroiled taste.
Seasoning Store Bought Crab Cakes
One of the keys to making store-bought crab cakes taste great is to enhance their flavor with seasoning:
Seasonings to Try
- Old Bay seasoning – This Chesapeake Bay-style spice blend pairs perfectly with crab.
- Lemon pepper – The bright citrus flavor complements the richness of crab meat.
- Paprika – A small sprinkling lends both flavor and a reddish color.
- Parsley – Fresh chopped parsley gives a pop of green herb flavor.
- Garlic powder – A dash of garlic powder enhances overall flavor without overpowering.
How to Season
- A light sprinkle of seasoning over both sides before cooking is all that’s needed.
- Avoid over-seasoning which can make the crab cakes taste salty.
- Let any marinades or sauces complement, not overwhelm, the crab flavor.
The right seasonings and sauces can make good store-bought crab cakes taste great.
Complementary Sauces for Serving
Serving crab cakes with a sauce adds extra flavor and moisture. Here are some popular choices:
Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a classic pairing with its tangy creaminess. You can make your own combining mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and herbs. Or use store-bought.
Cocktail Sauce
For a spicy kick, opt for cocktail sauce made with ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s a ubiquitous seafood restaurant dipping sauce.
Remoulade
Remoulade has a creamy, herby base similar to tartar sauce but also contains spicy ingredients like hot sauce, paprika, and pepper.
Hollandaise
Buttery, lemony hollandaise makes an elegant sauce for dressed up crab cake dinners. Purchase ready-made or make your own.
Fire-Roasted Salsa
For a simple enhancement, top crab cakes with your favorite fire-roasted tomato salsa. The sweet and smoky notes pair perfectly.
Don’t forget garnishes like fresh dill, chives, or lemon wedges to finish the dish.
Putting it All Together for the Perfect Crab Cakes
Using the tips above, here is a summary checklist for cooking foolproof store-bought crab cakes:
- Thaw frozen crab cakes overnight in the refrigerator if needed.
- Handle the crab cakes gently and avoid breaking them up.
- Choose a cooking method like pan-frying, baking, or grilling.
- Season simply with spices like Old Bay, lemon pepper, or paprika.
- Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes per side until hot and browned.
- Serve with an enhancement like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or salsa.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Following these tips will result in tender, flavorful crab cakes using convenient store-bought options. Adjust cook times as needed for larger or smaller crab cakes. Cook frozen crab cakes slightly longer than thawed to ensure they are heated through. Test doneness by cutting into a crab cake and checking that the interior is hot.
Now that you know how to cook store-bought crab cakes, you can enjoy this tasty seafood dish anytime. Impress guests or make a weeknight meal with fewer dishes to wash by using pre-made crab cakes. Just add a fresh salad, side of rice or pasta, or crunchy breadsticks for a complete seafood feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you flip crab cakes while cooking?
Yes, gently flipping crab cakes at least once during cooking is recommended. This allows both sides to brown evenly. Use a wide spatula to carefully flip them over. Flipping also promotes even heating through to the center.
Do you have to bread crab cakes before cooking?
Breading crab cakes is optional. Many store-bought crab cakes already have a light breading mixture in the recipe. You can cook them as-is or add extra breadcrumbs or panko before cooking for extra crunch. Avoid thick breading which can make them soggy.
What if my crab cakes fall apart while cooking?
Gently pressing any loose pieces back together with a spatula while they cook can help. Avoid moving them around too much which can cause further breaking. Cook as usual, then carefully remove any broken pieces with a spatula after cooking when plating. The taste will be unaffected.
Can you cook crab cakes from frozen?
Yes, you can cook frozen crab cakes without thawing first. Add 1-2 extra minutes per side to the cook time. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Baking frozen crab cakes in the oven may take 10-15 minutes longer overall.
Should you cover crab cakes while cooking?
It’s best not to cover crab cakes while cooking. Covering can cause excess steaming that makes them soggy. Cook them uncovered in the pan, oven, or grill for an even texture and nice browning.
Crab Cake Cooking Times and Temperatures
Use these general guidelines for crab cake cooking times based on the preparation method. Adjust as needed based on thickness and whether frozen or thawed.
| Cooking Method | Cook Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Pan-frying | 2-3 minutes per side | Medium heat (350°F) |
| Baking | 12-15 minutes total | 400°F |
| Grilling | 4-5 minutes per side | Medium-high heat (450°F) |
Check for doneness at the low end of the time range given. Cook frozen crab cakes 1-2 minutes longer per side. Let any thicker jumbo lump or large crab cakes cook a minute or two longer. Enjoy your tasty store-bought crab cakes!
