Recipe: How To Make Ford Fry's Crab Cakes With Herb Salad

A Maryland classic gets a Vietnamese touch

Ford Fry scents his jumbo crab cakes with lemongrass and shallots, fries them until they're golden brown and pairs them with a bright herb salad tossed in fresh lime juice. Fry uses a three-inch ring mold to form the crab cakes, but if you're in a hurry or don't have any ring molds, just gently form them using your hands.

To learn more, read "King's Crabs."

Recipe adapted from Ford Fry, King + Duke, Atlanta, GA

Crab Cakes With Herb Salad
5 from 32 ratings
Ford Fry uses lemongrass and shallots to give classic Maryland crab cakes a Vietnamese touch. Best of all, you can make them at home.
Prep Time
40
minutes
Cook Time
10
minutes
Servings
6
crab cakes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
  • For the Mayonnaise
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • For the Crab Cakes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, trimmed and minced
  • 1 large shallot, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 pound cooked fresh jumbo lump crab meat
  • ½ cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs), plus more for breading
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Canola oil, for frying
  • For the Herb Salad
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1 cup cilantro sprigs
  • ½ cup mint
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
Directions
  1. Make the mayonnaise: In a food processor, combine the egg yolks, salt, mustard, lemon juice and vinegar. Pulse a few times to incorporate. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil until the mixture begins to emulsify. Cover and chill until ready to use.
  2. Make the crab cakes: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter, ¼ cup of the mayonnaise, lemongrass, shallots and lemon zest until incorporated.
  3. Place the crab in a mixing bowl and gently fold in the butter mixture and ¼ cup of the panko. Season with salt.
  4. Divide the crab mixture into 6 equal portions, and using your hands, gently form into patties. Place the crab cakes in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill and firm up slightly.
  5. Meanwhile, in food processor, pulse the remaining ¼ cup panko until finely ground. Place the panko in a shallow baking dish. Coat the crab cakes on all sides with the panko.
  6. In a large skillet over medium heat, add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
  7. Brown both sides of the cakes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.
  8. Meanwhile, make the herb salad: In a mixing bowl, toss the herbs with the lime juice and oil, then season with salt.
  9. Serve the crab cakes with a spoonful of the Vietnamese mayonnaise and top with the herb salad.
Nutrition
Calories per Serving 423
Total Fat 36.6 g
Saturated Fat 6.0 g
Trans Fat 0.3 g
Cholesterol 136.0 mg
Total Carbohydrates 8.9 g
Dietary Fiber 1.5 g
Total Sugars 1.6 g
Sodium 501.4 mg
Protein 15.7 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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