Crab cakes are a delicious seafood dish that can be found on menus across the United States. However, there is one state that stands out as being particularly renowned for its iconic crab cakes: Maryland.
A Brief History of Crab Cakes in Maryland
The Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland has a long history and cultural connection to blue crabs. Native Americans in this area were catching and eating crabs centuries before European settlers arrived. By the 1700s, blue crab harvesting from the Chesapeake Bay had become an established industry.
As crab meat became more abundant, Marylanders started experimenting with different recipes, including crab cakes, to make use of this tasty local ingredient. Crab cakes were an efficient way to stretch expensive crab meat and feed more people by binding it with breadcrumbs or crackers.
Over time, crab cakes transitioned from a thrifty household meal to a cherished regional specialty in Maryland. The growing popularity of crab cakes was aided by advancements like crab processing and canning technologies in the late 1800s, which allowed the Maryland crab industry to expand.
By the early 1900s, restaurants in Baltimore and across Maryland had started serving their own homemade crab cake recipes The crab cake achieved nationwide fame after being featured at prominent events like the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
What Makes Maryland Crab Cakes Special
There are a few key factors that make Maryland crab cakes distinct:
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Use of Chesapeake blue crab – Authentic Maryland crab cakes are made predominantly with meat from the iconic Chesapeake blue crab. This gives the cakes a sweet delicate crab flavor.
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Minimal fillers – The best Maryland crab cakes use minimal breadcrumbs or crackers to bind the crab meat, allowing the crab flavor to shine. Too much filler dilutes the taste.
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Regional seasoning – Old Bay seasoning, invented in Maryland, is a signature spice blend used to flavor Maryland crab cakes. Other regional seasonings also commonly used include Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and lemon.
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Cooking method – Maryland crab cakes are typically broiled or pan-fried instead of deep fried. This keeps them from getting too bready or oily.
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Jumbo lump crab meat – Lump or backfin crab meat results in tender, chunky crab cakes where you can taste the individual flakes of crab. Using special grade jumbo lump crab meat is ideal.
Where to Find the Best Crab Cakes in Maryland
While you can find decent crab cakes all over Maryland, there are a few spots that stand out:
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Faidley Seafood (Baltimore) – This historic seafood stall at Lexington Market has been serving their famed crab cakes since 1886.
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Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (Baltimore) – Their giant crab cakes are made with lump crab meat and minimal filler. You can even order them shipped nationwide.
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G&M Restaurant (Linthicum Heights) – A classic with no-frills crab cakes focusing on jumbo lump crab and Old Bay seasoning.
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Thames Street Oyster House (Baltimore) – Elevated crab cakes made with lump crab meat and artfully plated.
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Cindy Lou’s Fish House (Baltimore) – A waterfront crab cake specialist serving fried and broiled Maryland crab cakes.
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The Point Crab House & Grill (Arnold) – Legendary crab cakes packed with sweet lump crab meat and little filler, since 1972.
Other Notable Regions for Crab Cakes
While Maryland reigns supreme, other coastal states like Virginia, Delaware, and Louisiana also have their own regional crab cake traditions. Crab cakes are also popular in port cities like San Francisco.
However, purists argue that crab cakes outside of Maryland often stray too far from the classic recipe by using canned crab meat, excessive filler, or obscure seasonings. To get the full blue crab cake experience, Maryland is a must-visit destination.
How to Make Maryland-Style Crab Cakes at Home
You can recreate the essence of Maryland crab cakes at home with this basic recipe:
- 1 lb jumbo lump crabmeat
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Old Bay, salt, pepper
- Butter for pan-frying
Gently mix ingredients, being careful not to break up crabmeat lumps. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges and remoulade sauce.
While it’s hard to replicate fresh Chesapeake crab, this approach captures the simplicity and flavors of an iconic Maryland crab cake. Adjust seasonings to taste and use the best lump crabmeat you can find.
Why Maryland Crab Cakes Remain Iconic
From its origins as an efficient way to utilize abundant crabs, the Maryland crab cake has become a cherished regional foodway. Its simplicity highlights the sweet Chesapeake blue crab, while customized seasoning blends add local flair.
Today, Maryland crab cakes remain a quintessential taste of summer. Locals pass down recipes through generations and restaurants pride themselves on sourcing authentic regional ingredients. The iconic Maryland crab cake continues to be a culinary symbol of this coastal state and its seafood bounty.
Smith & Wollensky
Ah, another steakhouse. There seems to be a pattern here, but we dont judge. Smith & Wollensky first opened in 1977 in New York City. Today, its crab cake comes with cognac mustard and ginger sauce. Thats a bit on the fancier side, but if youre looking to try a crab cake with some new flavors, this place is for you. While most people make a reservation at Smith & Wollensky to eat steak, the crab cake gets a lot of love here. Seriously, it was hard to find a negative review.
One customer notes on OpenTable that: “We started off with crab cakes which were packed with flavor and freshness.” Points in the freshness department. Another customer said on OpenTable that the crab cake was “one of the best crab cakes I have ever tasted in my entire life. Better than Maryland or Louisiana and Ive had plenty of both. Would return just for the crab cake alone, but everything else was good too.” Points in the taste department too. It just keeps going. Clearly, this crab cake seems to be pretty solid. This single crab cake comes out at $18. Thats really the only reason Smith & Wollensky isnt in top place. Customers are telling you its worth it, though, so go get that crab cake if you can!
Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill
Stoney River Steakhouse is a chain known for its cozy ambiance and wooden interiors. Youll find stone columns inside, much like a ski resort lodge. While most of the reviews for this restaurant are focused on the steak, understandably, the crab cake gets a whole lotta love. Its pan-seared, served with a mango jalapeño salsa and a Dijon mustard sauce. This crab cake definitely stands out. You only get one cake — but its pretty large. The dish is priced at $18 which isnt too bad considering the high price points of other restaurants on this list. Definitely something to consider, though, as youll also find cheaper options on this list.
A customer on OpenTable said that the crab cake “was large enough for two of us to share. If you like crab cakes I recommend it. Flaky, and well seasoned made it a good buy.” It seems like the single crab cake isnt a deterrent to most. The flavor and serving size are there, and for that price, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill is near the top of our list.
Is the Crab in Some Maryland Crab Cakes Imported From Overseas?
FAQ
What US state is known for crab cakes?
Crab cakes are traditionally associated with the Chesapeake Bay, in the state of Maryland.
Where are crab cakes originally from?
Believed to have originated with Native Americans in the Chesapeake region, crab cakes have not only become an absolute staple in Maryland cuisine but are also popular in many seafood destinations around the world.
Are crab cakes a Maryland thing?
Maryland Crab Cakes: Hailing from the Chesapeake Bay region, Maryland-style crab cakes are renowned for their simplicity and emphasis on the star ingredient – crab.
Which US state is known for crabs?
The Chesapeake Bay, located in Maryland and Virginia, is famous for its blue crabs, and they are one of the most important economic items harvested from it.