Crab Cakes Rockefeller

Crab Cakes Rockefeller: decadent, delicious, divine! 🦀✨ A taste of pure luxury. 🍽️

1. Before You Begin:

Crab Cakes Rockefeller elevate the classic crab cake with a luxurious twist, inspired by the famous oysters Rockefeller. Rich, savory, and utterly decadent, these crab cakes are a true indulgence.

2. Ingredients:

• 1 pound lump crab claw meat (I love the canned stuff at Trader Joe's – you can't beat th
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 4 green onions, finely diced
• 1 cup bread crumbs (Panko works great too)
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 slices bacon or prosciutto
• 4 cups (uncooked) baby spinach
• 1/4 cup watercress stems
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
• good salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3. How to Cook:

Begin by gently combining the crab meat with the herbs, cream, and seasonings. Form the mixture into cakes and pan-fry until golden brown and crispy. Top with a creamy Rockefeller sauce and bake until bubbly.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and position the top rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or a non-stick baking mat to prevent sticking. This recipe is also suitable for a toaster oven.

Step 2: Combine crab mixture

In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, diced red bell pepper, half of the diced green onion (saving the rest), and half of the breadcrumbs (saving the rest). Make sure everything is evenly distributed for consistent flavor.

Step 3: Season the mixture

Mix in the honey and chili powder with the crab mixture. Then, season generously with salt and pepper to your preference. Taste as you go to ensure the seasoning is just right.

Step 4: Form the crab cakes

Shape the crab cakes by firmly pressing the mixture into a 120 ml (1/2 cup) measuring cup or molding them with your hands. Be sure to press them tightly to prevent them from falling apart. Place the formed crab cakes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart.

Step 5: Coat with oil

Using an olive oil sprayer (if available), lightly coat the outside of each crab cake with olive oil. This will help them brown beautifully and develop a delicious outer crust during baking. If you don't have a sprayer, you can drizzle the oil carefully.

Step 6: Bake the crab cakes

Bake the crab cakes in the preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for approximately 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are heated through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Step 7: Prepare bacon

While the crab cakes are baking, fry the bacon or prosciutto in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble it into small pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 8: Prepare spinach

Finely chop the spinach and watercress stems. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it doesn't brown. This creates the base for the flavorful spinach mixture.

Step 9: Sauté the vegetables

Add the garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the remaining green onion, breadcrumbs, and watercress stems. Sauté for another minute. Finally, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 10: Plate and serve

To serve, spread a layer of the spinach mixture on each plate. Place a crab cake on top of the spinach. Finally, sprinkle crumbled bacon generously over the entire plate for added flavor and visual appeal.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve Crab Cakes Rockefeller as an elegant appetizer or a luxurious main course. They pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing green salad.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 6 servings, Calories: 219kcal, Protein: 18g, Fat: 5g, Carbohydrates: 27g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 13g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Sodium: 806mg

6. The Tasty Ending:

Crab Cakes Rockefeller are a sophisticated and flavorful dish that's perfect for special occasions. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable culinary experience!