Maine Crab Cakes on the Grill – Crispy & Delicious

Introduction

Nothing beats the taste of fresh Maine crab cakes cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. The flat griddle cooktop ensures an even sear, while the high heat locks in flavor, creating crispy, golden-brown crab cakes that are tender and delicious inside. With no need for an oven or pans, this recipe is easy to make entirely on the Arteflame grill.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh Maine crab meat
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

1. To get your Arteflame grill ready for cooking, pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins, place them in the center of the grill, and stack firewood over them.
2. Light the paper napkins, and allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat top griddle is evenly heated.

Step 2: Mix the Crab Cake Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into small crab cakes, about 3 inches in diameter.
3. Place them on a plate and let them sit for 5 minutes before cooking to set.

Step 3: Grill the Crab Cakes

1. Place 2 tablespoons of butter on the flat cooktop griddle, near the center where it is hotter.
2. Once the butter melts and sizzles, carefully place the crab cakes onto the griddle.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Move them to the outer area of the cooktop if they cook too quickly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the crab cakes from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
2. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce.

Tips

• For an extra crispy texture, use more butter when grilling.
• Don't press down on the crab cakes while cooking to retain moisture.
• If your crab cakes are too loose, add extra panko breadcrumbs for better binding.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Crab Cakes: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Garlic Butter Crab Cakes: Mix minced garlic and extra butter for a rich, savory flavor.
3. Asian-Inspired Crab Cakes: Add soy sauce, ginger, and green onions for a delicate umami profile.
4. Herb-Infused Crab Cakes: Use fresh dill and chives to bring out fresh herbal notes.
5. Coconut Crab Cakes: Coat with shredded coconut before grilling for a delightful tropical twist.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus or corn for a light side dish.
• A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
• A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for the perfect pairing.
• Homemade tartar sauce or spicy aioli to enhance the taste.

Conclusion

These grilled Maine crab cakes are incredibly flavorful and easy to cook on your Arteflame grill. With a perfectly golden crust and deliciously tender inside, they’re sure to impress. Enjoy them as an appetizer, main dish, or sandwich filling!