Maryland Crab Cakes Grilled to Perfection

Introduction

Maryland crab cakes are the ultimate seafood delicacy, packed with sweet lump crab meat and perfectly seasoned with Old Bay. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill gives them an irresistible crisp on the outside while keeping them juicy inside, enhancing the natural flavors of the crab. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you grilling crab cakes like a pro.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers (such as saltines)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build. The grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the crab mixture

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayo, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, crackers, and parsley.
2. Mix lightly to avoid breaking the chunks of crab meat.
3. Shape the mixture into crab cakes about 3 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick.

Step 3: Grill the crab cakes

1. Add butter to the Arteflame flat cooktop to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
2. Place the crab cakes onto the cooktop, positioning them closer to the center where the heat is more intense for a quick sear.
3. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Move the crab cakes to a slightly cooler area of the griddle to finish cooking gently.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

1. Remove the crab cakes from the grill.
2. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Use fresh lump crab meat for the best results.
• Do not overwork the crab mixture; keeping the chunks intact ensures the best texture.
• Cooking on the Arteflame flat griddle cooktop gives a perfectly even sear without burning.

Variations

1. Spicy Crab Cakes: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper and a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
2. Lemon Herb Crab Cakes: Mix in zest from one lemon and 1 tbsp of fresh thyme for a refreshing flavor.
3. Garlic Butter Crab Cakes: Add minced garlic and baste the cakes with melted butter while grilling.
4. Cheesy Crab Cakes: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan for a rich, cheesy taste.
5. Asian-Style Crab Cakes: Add 1 tsp ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an umami boost.

Best pairings

• Grilled asparagus
• Roasted corn on the Arteflame griddle
• Coleslaw
• Garlic butter grilled bread
• Chilled white wine

Conclusion

Grilling Maryland crab cakes on the Arteflame gives them a beautiful, crispy texture while keeping them moist and tasty inside. This simple yet delicious recipe brings out the best in fresh crab meat, making it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy cooking outdoors with minimal cleanup while savoring perfectly grilled seafood.