Crab is a seafood delicacy that is widely enjoyed across the globe. It is delicious and versatile, used in various dishes such as crab cakes and deviled crab. Although crab cakes and deviled crab might seem similar, they are, in fact, entirely different dishes with different ingredients, textures, and flavors.
If you are a crab lover, it is essential to know the difference between deviled crab and crab cakes. Understanding the difference between these two dishes will help you appreciate each one’s unique flavors and textures and choose the perfect dish for your next seafood meal. So, let’s dive into the world of crab and explore the differences between deviled crab and crab cakes.
Crab Cakes vs Deviled Crab: Origin and History
Crab cakes and deviled crab are both popular seafood dishes, but they have different origins and histories. Crab cakes are believed to have originated in the Chesapeake Bay region of the United States around the 17th century. The earliest recorded crab cake recipe appeared in a cookbook published in Maryland in 1930, but the dish had already gained popularity in the region by then. Crab cakes were initially made with the leftover meat from crabs which were used as bait for larger fish.
Deviled crab, on the other hand, has a more diverse history and has variations in different cultures. The dish’s name originated from the word “deviled,” which means to spice or season food with hot ingredients like mustard, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Deviled crab is believed to have evolved from the Spanish dish called “croquetas de jaiba,” which is a mixture of crab meat, bread crumbs, and spices. It is also a popular dish in countries like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
Ingredients Comparison: Crab Cakes and Deviled Crab
When it comes to crab cakes and deviled crab, the main difference lies in their ingredients. Crab cakes are made with lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, and a variety of spices such as Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and parsley. The mixture is then shaped into patties, and either pan-fried or baked until golden brown and crispy.
On the other hand, deviled crab is made with the same basic ingredients as crab cakes, but with a few additions such as hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. The mixture is then stuffed into crab shells or ramekins and baked until the top is golden brown and crispy. Some recipes also call for cheese, vegetables, or even shrimp to be added to the mixture, giving it a more complex flavor profile. Ultimately, while both dishes highlight the delicious flavor of crab, the unique blend of spices and additional components distinguish the two.
Crab Cakes and Deviled Crab: Flavor Profiles Explained
Crab cakes and deviled crab are both seafood delicacies that are enjoyed worldwide. Both dishes are made from crab meat, but they are prepared differently and have different flavor profiles. Crab cakes are made by mixing crab meat with various ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, and spices. The patties are then fried, baked, or broiled to a golden brown. The flavor of crab cakes is savory, with a taste that is mildly sweet and salty. The texture is crispy on the outside yet moist and juicy on the inside.
Deviled crab, on the other hand, is prepared by stuffing crab shells with a mixture of crab meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and cheese. The shells are then baked until the filling becomes golden-brown and crispy. The flavor of deviled crab is more robust than that of crab cakes. The filling is spicy, with a distinctive kick from the herbs and spices. The crab meat is also mixed with cheese, which gives it a creamy and tangy taste. Overall, both dishes are delicious, but they provide different experiences for seafood lovers.
Cooking Techniques: Crab Cakes and Deviled Crab
Crab cakes and deviled crab differ not only in their ingredients but also in the cooking techniques used for both. First, when making crab cakes, the crab meat is usually mixed with other ingredients like breadcrumbs, herbs, mayonnaise, and spices. The mixture is then shaped into patties and fried or baked until golden brown. It is also common for crab cakes to be served with different sauces like tartar or remoulade.
On the other hand, deviled crab is typically baked in a casserole dish. The crab is mixed with a spicy sauce that includes mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and mayonnaise. The crab mixture is then placed in a casserole dish and baked until browned and crispy. Deviled crab is usually served as a side dish or appetizer, rather than the main course. The differences in the cooking techniques used for crab cakes and deviled crab contribute to their distinct flavors and textures.
Presentation and Serving Differences between Crab Cakes and Deviled Crab
Crab cakes and deviled crab differ not only in their ingredients but also in the way they are presented and served. Crab cakes are typically molded into round patties and served either as an appetizer or as the main course. They are often served with a side salad, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce. Crab cakes are usually found in high-end restaurants, with fancier presentations and intricate garnishes.
On the other hand, deviled crab is typically served in the shell of the crab or in ramekins. The shells or ramekins are filled with the mixture of crab meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked until crispy on top. Deviled crab is often served as an appetizer or side dish, paired with a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of paprika. Unlike the elegant presentation of crab cakes, deviled crab is more rustic in appearance, served more often in casual dining settings.
Nutritional Value: How Crab Cakes and Deviled Crab Compare
When it comes to comparing the nutritional value of crab cakes and deviled crab, it’s important to note that both dishes are relatively high in sodium and cholesterol due to the use of crab meat and mayonnaise. However, there are some differences in the nutritional profile of these two seafood delicacies.
Crab cakes tend to be slightly higher in calories and fat because they often include breadcrumbs and egg as binding agents. On the other hand, deviled crab generally consists of a mixture of crab meat, spices, and mayonnaise and tends to be lower in calories and fat. Additionally, if you opt for broiled or grilled crab cakes instead of fried, you can significantly reduce the fat content while still enjoying the delicious flavor of this classic dish. Ultimately, both crab cakes and deviled crab can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Popular Recipes for Crab Cakes and Deviled Crab
Crab cakes and deviled crab are two popular seafood dishes that have distinct differences. Crab cakes are made with lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, and a range of spices. They are then pan-fried to perfection and served as an appetizer or main course. Deviled crab, on the other hand, is a dish where the crab meat is mixed with a hot sauce, mustard, and mayonnaise before being baked or fried.
Here are two popular recipes to try out at home. To make crab cakes, mix together 1 pound of lump crab meat, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Form the mixture into patties and fry them until golden brown. For deviled crab, combine 1 pound of crab meat, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, ½ cup of hot sauce, ½ cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to seafood delicacies, crab cakes and deviled crab are two dishes that often confuse people due to their similar ingredients and appearance. Although there are several similarities between the two, there are some crucial distinctions between them that set them apart. Crab cakes are more popular and easier to find in most coastal restaurants and food chains, while deviled crab is a famous southern dish that is difficult to find outside the region.
Both dishes are made from crabmeat mixed with breadcrumbs, seasonings, and spices, but the method of preparation is slightly different. Crab cakes are usually fried in oil or baked in the oven, whereas deviled crab is typically baked in the crab shell. In conclusion, while both dishes are delicious, there are subtle variations that differentiate them and appeal to different tastes. Whether you prefer the crispy, golden outside of the crab cakes or the creamy and spicy filling of deviled crab, both dishes are worth trying if you love seafood.