Crab Cakes – Budget Bytes
Crab Cakes – Budget Bytes Meal Prep Recipe
Looking to savor delicious crab cakes without the hassle? This meal prep idea makes it easy to enjoy your favorite dish on busy days, with time-saving tips and smart storage options to maximize your efforts.
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 2 (6 oz.) cans of crab, drained
- ¼ cup yellow onion, small diced
- ¼ cup celery, small diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Meal Prep Steps
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Batch Preparation:
- Chop Ahead: Dice the onion and celery in advance; store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Mix the Base: Combine crab, onion, celery, garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon, and Old Bay in a bowl. This step can be done a day before you plan to cook to allow flavors to meld.
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Form and Freeze:
- Shape Patties: After combining, gently fold in breadcrumbs until just mixed. Form into patties (about 4) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze: Instead of cooking immediately, place the baking sheet in the freezer until patties are firm. Once frozen, layer flat in a freezer-safe bag, separated by parchment paper, for easy access later.
- Cooking and Serving:
- When you’re ready to eat, heat oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite sauce and sides.
Storage Tips
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Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked crab cakes in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven set to 350°F until heated through.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties layered with parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use Canned Crab: Saves time and money while providing great flavor.
- Prep Ingredients in Bulk: Chop veggies for multiple meals at once, making it easy to create numerous dishes.
- Double the Recipe: Make extra crab cakes at once for multiple meal options throughout the week. They’re great for lunch or dinner.
With these meal prep ideas, enjoying delicious crab cakes can easily fit into your busy lifestyle—delicious doesn’t have to be difficult!