Can You Freeze Crab Cakes? (YES!…Here’s How)
Freezing crab cakes is a great idea for long-term storage. You’ll be able to freeze them fresh and enjoy them whenever you’d like.
So the next question is, can we freeze both cooked and uncooked crab cakes? The answer to that is also yes, but with a few conditions. Let’s look at how best to freeze cooked and uncooked crab cakes.
Freezing Crab Cakes – The Best Way
You can freeze crab cakes either before or after cooking them. Obviously, if you freeze them before cooking, they will take longer to prepare once thawed. If you freeze them after cooking, you can reheat them quickly and be enjoying them in no time.
Freezing Cooked Crab Cakes
If you’re freezing cooked crab cakes, make sure they have cooled completely before freezing. Allow them to freeze for about two hours on a baking tray (also known as flash freezing) which will help them freeze faster and prevent them from sticking together.
You can transfer them to a freezer bag or container once fully frozen. Because the crab cakes have already been cooked, you can simply reheat them in the oven, microwave, or on the stove.
Freezing Uncooked Crab Cakes
To freeze uncooked crab cakes or leftover crab cake mix, shape them into small patties and place them on a baking tray. Place them in the freezer for two hours. Once frozen, you can put them in a Ziploc freezer bag or container after pushing out the excess air.
When you’re ready to use the frozen uncooked crab cakes, you will need to defrost them before cooking by placing them in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw them by placing them in the microwave on the defrost setting.
Once thawed, you can cook the crab cakes according to your original recipe.
A Complete Guide To Freezing Fresh Crab Cakes
Once you make crab cakes, it is essential to store them properly. You can freeze them, and they will still taste great.
Some people say that freezing them makes them even more delicious. Read my step-by-step guide below to make your crab cakes last as long as possible.
Step 1:
You’ll need crab meat, beaten eggs, and other ingredients the recipe calls for. Mix them well. Press the mixture together firmly. If the mixture is too loose, your crab cakes will fall apart.
Step 2:
Once you have formed all of your crab cakes, it’s time to place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure that they are not touching each other so they freeze evenly and don’t stick together. Freeze for at least two hours.
For extra protection, you can cover the whole pan of crab cakes with aluminum foil. This will help to keep them fresh and protected while undergoing this initial freezing process.
Step 3:
Once they are frozen solid, remove the tray and wrap each frozen crab cake tightly and place them together in a storage container or freezer bag. You don’t want to have a mess to clean up when you get your crab cakes out of the freezer later.
Step 4:
Be sure to label your plastic container or heavy-duty freezer bag with the date so you know when they were frozen. Masking tape and a permanent marker can be used. The crab cakes can then be stored for up to three months in the freezer.
How To Use Crab Cakes After Freezing
When ready to enjoy your delicious cakes, remove them from the freezer.
In the case of raw ones, it is best to thaw frozen crab cakes in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Doing this will prevent them from drying out. Once thawed, place the crab cakes on a single-layer sheet and bake at medium heat until warm.
A microwave or stovetop can be used to reheat cooked crab cakes.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within three days.
What To Do If Your Frozen Crab Cakes Look Bad
If you’ve ever had a bad experience with frozen crab cakes, you know how disappointing they can be. Nothing is worse than taking the time to thaw and cook them only to find that they’re mushy or full of ice crystals.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can tell if your crab is bad before you even start cooking them. Check the package’s expiration date first. If they’re past the date, you’ll have to throw them out.
If the crab cakes are within their use-by date, you’ll still want to visually inspect them. If they have a slimy texture, it’s best to throw them out. Look for any discoloration or freezer burn. Finally, smell them. If they smell off, they’re probably not safe to eat.
If you’re unsure whether your crab is still good to eat, err on the side of caution and throw them out.
Crab Cake Recipes
Now that you know how to store and freeze crab cakes, it’s time to cook some up!
To get you started, try this recipe.
- Mix crab meat with mayonnaise, eggs, dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into patties and coat in bread crumbs.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat and fry the patties for 2-3 minutes per side or until lightly brown. Add more oil if needed.
- Cook until the internal temperature is even throughout.
- Dish up with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Melted butter can also be used when serving.
- Enjoy your delicious crab cakes!
Looking for more mouthwatering recipes? Here are some of our favorites:
Fried Crab Cakes: A classic recipe that is always a hit! Coat your crab cakes in a bit of flour or bread crumbs, then fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or rémoulade for dipping.
Crab Cake Po’ Boys: A New Orleans classic! Slather various sauces on a crusty baguette, top with shredded lettuce, lemon juice, and sliced tomatoes, then finish with fried or grilled crab cakes. Enjoy!
Can You Freeze Crab Cakes – Final Thoughts
You can freeze crab cakes, but it is essential to freeze them properly. If not frozen correctly, the crab cakes can become dry and rubbery. When done correctly, frozen crab cakes will have amazing flavor and texture and can be enjoyed months after making them.
