Faidley’s Crab Cake Recipe

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ve probably heard of Faidley’s Seafood in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1886, Faidley’s is famous for its crab cakes, which have been featured in numerous publications and TV shows. But what makes Faidley’s Crab Cake so special? It’s all in the recipe.

Faidley’s crab cake recipe is a closely guarded secret, but we’ve done the research and found some clues. The recipe includes fresh crab meat, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and crushed Saltine crackers. The ingredients are mixed together and formed into patties, which are then fried or sautéed until golden brown. The result is a crispy, flavorful crab cake that’s sure to impress even the most discerning seafood connoisseur.

While there are many variations of crab cake recipes out there, Faidley’s crab cake recipe stands out for its simplicity and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to please. So why not try your hand at making Faidley’s famous crab cakes at home? You might just discover a new favorite dish.

History of Faidley’s Crab Cake

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ve probably heard of Faidley’s Seafood, a family-owned business that has been operating in Baltimore’s Lexington Market since 1886. Faidley’s Seafood is known for its world-famous crab cakes, which have been enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for generations.

The story of Faidley’s crab cakes began with John W. Faidley, who opened a fish stand in the fishmonger section of the market in the 19th century. Over time, the business grew and evolved, and today, Faidley’s Seafood is run by the fifth generation of the Faidley family.

Faidley’s crab cakes are made with fresh, high-quality crab meat and a secret blend of seasonings. The recipe has been passed down through the generations, and it remains a closely guarded secret to this day.

Despite its popularity, Faidley’s Seafood has stayed true to its roots and continues to operate out of its original location in Lexington Market. The market has undergone many changes over the years, but Faidley’s Seafood has remained a constant, serving up delicious seafood to generations of customers.

In addition to its famous crab cakes, Faidley’s Seafood also offers a wide variety of other seafood dishes, including oysters, clams, shrimp, and more. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, a trip to Faidley’s Seafood is a must for any seafood lover.

Ingredients for Faidley’s Crab Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to make Faidley’s world-famous crab cakes, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make Faidley’s crab cakes.

Crab Meat

The most important ingredient in Faidley’s crab cakes is, of course, the crab meat. Faidley’s uses large lump crab meat for their crab cakes. You can use fresh or canned crab meat, but if you’re using canned, make sure to drain it well before using.

Bread Crumbs

Bread crumbs are used to bind the crab cakes together. Faidley’s uses crushed saltine crackers, which give the crab cakes a nice crunch. You can also use panko bread crumbs or regular bread crumbs if you prefer.

Seasoning

Faidley’s crab cakes are seasoned with a blend of spices that includes Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. The Old Bay seasoning gives the crab cakes a classic Chesapeake Bay flavor, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a rich umami flavor. The dry mustard adds a subtle heat, and the salt and pepper help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Overall, the ingredients for Faidley’s crab cakes are simple, but the key is to use high-quality ingredients and to season them well. With the right ingredients and a bit of practice, you can make delicious crab cakes that rival Faidley’s famous recipe.

Faidley’s Crab Cake Recipe: Preparation Method

Making Faidley’s crab cakes is simple and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delicious dish:

1. Start by picking out any bits of shell from the crabmeat. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the crabmeat, saltine cracker crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Mix gently until all ingredients are well-combined.
2. Once the mixture is ready, shape it into 8 patties, trying not to over-handle them. Chill the patties on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet for an hour.
3. When you’re ready to cook the crab cakes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Carefully place the crab cakes into the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can also bake the crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes if you prefer a healthier option.
4. Once the crab cakes are cooked, serve them hot with tartar sauce or any other condiment of your choice.

It’s important to note that the quality of the crabmeat used in this recipe can greatly impact the final dish. Faidley’s recommends using lump crabmeat, which has a sweeter, more delicate flavor compared to other types of crabmeat. Additionally, make sure to pick out any bits of shell or cartilage from the crabmeat before mixing it in with the other ingredients.

Overall, Faidley’s crab cake recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it a perfect dish to impress your guests or enjoy with your family.

Faidley’s Crab Cake: Serving Suggestions

Once you have prepared the perfect Faidley’s crab cake, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions that can help you elevate your crab cake experience:

1. Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a classic accompaniment to crab cakes. You can make your own tartar sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, chopped dill pickle, minced onion, chopped parsley, and pickle juice. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made tartar sauce from the store.

2. Lemon Wedges

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a bright, tangy flavor to your crab cake. Serve your crab cake with a few lemon wedges on the side, and let your guests add as much or as little lemon juice as they like.

3. Salad

A light, refreshing salad can be the perfect complement to a rich, flavorful crab cake. Consider serving your crab cake with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

4. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is another classic side dish that pairs well with crab cakes. The cool, crunchy texture of the coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the warm, soft texture of the crab cake.

5. French Fries

If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, consider serving your crab cake with a side of crispy French fries. The salty, crispy fries can be a delicious contrast to the rich, savory flavor of the crab cake.

No matter how you choose to serve your Faidley’s crab cake, be sure to enjoy it while it’s still warm and fresh.

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Faidley’s Crab Cake: Nutritional Information

If you are watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering if Faidley’s crab cake recipe is a good choice for you. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for this delicious dish.

One serving of Faidley’s crab cake recipe contains around 957 calories. This number may seem high, but keep in mind that this recipe is meant to be a main course and is quite filling. Additionally, the recipe contains a good amount of protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full for longer.

Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Faidley’s crab cake recipe:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	957
Total Fat	34g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	7g
Protein	37g

As you can see, this recipe is relatively high in fat and carbohydrates. However, it is also a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue.

If you are looking to reduce the calorie count of this recipe, you may want to consider making some modifications. For example, you could try using a lower-fat mayonnaise or reducing the amount of saltine crackers in the recipe.

Overall, Faidley’s crab cake recipe is a delicious and filling dish that can be enjoyed as a special treat. While it is relatively high in calories, it is also a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Faidley’s Crab Cake: Pairing Recommendations

Faidley’s Crab Cake recipe is a classic dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides, drinks, and sauces. Here are some recommendations to enhance your dining experience:

Sides

• French Fries: The crispy texture of the fries complements the soft and tender crab cake. You can also dip your fries in the same sauce as your crab cake for a delicious combination.
• Coleslaw: The refreshing crunch of the coleslaw balances out the richness of the crab cake. It also adds a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
• Salad: A light and fresh salad is a great way to add some greens to your meal. Choose a citrus-based dressing to complement the sweetness of the crab meat.

Drinks

• Beer: A cold beer is a classic pairing for seafood. A light and refreshing pilsner or lager can balance out the richness of the crab cake.
• White Wine: A crisp and acidic white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can complement the delicate flavors of the crab meat.
• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea can be a great non-alcoholic option. The sweetness of the tea can complement the sweetness of the crab meat.

Sauces

• Tartar Sauce: A classic sauce for seafood, tartar sauce is made with mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice. It adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the crab cake.
• Remoulade Sauce: This sauce is similar to tartar sauce, but with the addition of capers, mustard, and herbs. It has a more complex and savory flavor.
• Cocktail Sauce: Made with ketchup, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce, cocktail sauce adds a spicy and tangy kick to the crab cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Faidley’s Crab Cake?

The price of a Faidley’s crab cake varies depending on the size and location. At the Lexington Market location, a jumbo lump crab cake costs around $26.50, while a regular crab cake costs around $16.50. You can also order Faidley’s crab cakes online, where the prices may differ.

Is it better to pan fry or bake crab cakes?

It depends on your preference. Pan-frying creates a crispy crust and a tender center, while baking produces a drier texture but is a healthier option. You can also deep-fry crab cakes for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Follow the cooking instructions provided by Faidley’s or experiment to find your preferred cooking method.

Where can I buy Faidley’s Crab Cake?

Faidley’s crab cakes are available at their flagship location in Baltimore’s Lexington Market, as well as their new location in the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. You can also order Faidley’s crab cakes online to be shipped to your doorstep.

How do I make Old Bay crab cake?

To make Old Bay crab cakes, mix together crabmeat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Old Bay seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the mixture into patties and cook according to your preferred method. Old Bay seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Maryland-style seafood dishes.

What makes Maryland crab cakes expensive?

Maryland crab cakes are expensive due to the high cost of the crab meat used to make them. Maryland crab meat is known for its sweet and delicate flavor, and it is sourced from the Chesapeake Bay. The harvesting and processing of crab meat is a labor-intensive process, which contributes to the high cost of Maryland crab cakes.

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