How Many Calories Are in Crab Cakes?

Crab cakes are a delicious and popular seafood dish, but many people wonder about their calorie content. As a hearty appetizer or entree, crab cakes can be a significant source of calories, so understanding their nutritional profile is important for maintaining a balanced diet In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know to answer the question – how many calories are in crab cakes?

An Overview of Crab Cake Calories

The calorie content of crab cakes can vary quite a bit based on the specific recipe ingredients, and cooking method. However, most commercially prepared crab cakes contain between 250 and 500 calories per cake. Appetizer-sized crab cakes may fall on the lower end of this range, while a larger entree crab cake could contain up to 500 calories or more.

For a more accurate calorie estimate, check the nutrition facts label of store-bought crab cakes or calculate the calories in a homemade recipe. But in general, a 4-6 ounce crab cake contains around 300-400 calories.

So are crab cakes considered a high-calorie food? Not necessarily. While the calorie count is certainly significant, a crab cake can be a reasonably healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. The key factors that affect the number of calories in crab cakes are the ingredients, portion size and cooking method.

Factors That Influence Crab Cake Calories

Crab Meat Type and Amount

The type and amount of crab meat are major determinants of the calorie content. Jumbo lump crab meat provides the richest flavor and largest chunks of meat. It tends to be lower in fat and calories than claw meat. The proportion of crab also matters – a cake that is mostly crab will be higher in protein and lower in fillers.

More crab meat = more protein and calories. Less crab = more calories from filler.

Fillers and Binders

Crab cakes require breadcrumbs, crackers, mayonnaise, or other binders to hold them together. Mayonnaise is one of the most calorie-dense ingredients, while panko breadcrumbs add less fat and fewer calories than regular breadcrumbs. The more filler a crab cake contains, the higher the calories will be from carbohydrates and fat rather than protein.

Cooking Method

Frying adds the most calories, as the crab cake absorbs oil during cooking. Baking or broiling are healthier low-calorie options. Steaming avoids oil altogether but may compromise texture.

Size and Portion

Larger crab cakes mean more calories. Pay attention to portion sizes, as a restaurant appetizer or entree crab cake can be 2-3x the size of a homemade one. An appetizer-sized 2-3 oz crab cake contains around 150-200 calories, while a 6-8 oz entree crab cake has 350-500 calories.

Tips for Lower-Calorie Crab Cakes

Here are some easy ways to lighten up crab cakes while keeping all the flavor:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
• Opt for panko breadcrumbs over regular
• Increase the amount of crab meat and reduce filler
• Bake or broil instead of frying
• Avoid thick breading
• Serve with salsa or mustard instead of tartar sauce
• Watch your portion size – share or save leftovers

Calorie Differences in Crab Cake Variations

There are many delicious regional variations when it comes to crab cakes, each with their own calorie considerations:

• Maryland crab cakes focus on lump crab meat with minimal filler, keeping calories mostly from protein rather than carbs/fat.

• New England crab cakes often include fatty seafood like lobster, scallops, or shrimp, increasing calories.

• Louisiana crab cakes may contain Cajun seasoning, peppers, and parsley, adding negligible calories.

• Pacific Northwest crab cakes utilize Dungeness crab and tend to rely on mayonnaise, increasing fat and calories.

No matter what the preparation, check the recipe and ingredients list for the most accurate calorie estimate.

Answering Common Crab Cake Calorie Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the calorie content of different types of crab cakes:

How many calories in a store-bought crab cake?

300-500 calories per cake. Check the nutrition label for specifics.

How do homemade crab cake calories compare to restaurant crab cakes?

Homemade can be lower in calories since you control the ingredients. Restaurant crab cakes often have more butter and oil.

Does the type of crab meat change the calories?

Yes. Jumbo lump crab is leaner than claw meat. Imitation crab is much lower in calories but not as nutritious.

How many calories in a crab cake sandwich?

The bun, sauces, and cheese add 200-400 calories. A whole sandwich can be 500-800 calories.

Do fillers impact the calorie count?

Yes, using less mayonnaise and fewer breadcrumbs will reduce calories from fat and carbs.

What are the lowest calorie ways to cook crab cakes?

Baking, broiling, and steaming add minimal calories compared to pan frying or deep frying.

Does freezing crab cakes change the calories?

Freezing itself does not affect calories, but be sure to seal them well to prevent freezer burn.

How can I calculate homemade crab cake calories?

Use a tracking app or online recipe tool to add up the calories of all individual ingredients.

The Takeaway on Crab Cake Calories

Crab cakes can certainly be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Prioritize recipes with fresh lump crab meat, minimal fillers, and healthier cooking methods like broiling or baking. Pay attention to portion sizes, and balance crab cakes with low-calorie sides like a green salad. By understanding how preparation and ingredients influence the calorie content, you can make educated choices to keep your crab cake cravings under control while still enjoying this cherished seafood specialty.