Crab Cake Scampi

If you’re craving a dish that combines the best of both worlds—rich, flavorful crab cakes and the garlicky, buttery goodness of shrimp scampi—then Crab Cake Scampi is about to become your new go-to. Imagine crispy, golden crab cakes paired with succulent shrimp, all tossed in a heavenly garlic-butter sauce that’s just begging to be sopped up with some crusty bread. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a little bit of elegance for that extra “wow” factor. Trust me, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Crab Cake Scampi

• Double the Seafood, Double the Flavor: The combo of crispy crab cakes and juicy shrimp is a seafood lover’s dream. It’s like two favorite dishes in one!
• Rich and Buttery: The garlic-butter sauce is indulgent, flavorful, and totally irresistible. It’s the perfect backdrop to the sweetness of the crab cakes and the savory shrimp.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its elegance, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
• Customizable: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or crab, feel free to swap in your favorite seafood. Scallops, lobster, or even a mix of seafood would be just as delicious.
• Impress Your Guests: Serve this dish for date night, a dinner party, or any time you want to impress without the stress of a complicated recipe. It’s simple yet feels so gourmet.

Ingredients

The magic of Crab Cake Scampi lies in the quality of its ingredients. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• Crab Meat: Fresh, high-quality crab meat is key to making your crab cakes shine. Lump crab meat is ideal, but any fresh crab meat will do.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works—just be sure to peel and devein them before cooking.
• Bread Crumbs: To bind the crab cakes together and give them that satisfying crunch.
• Eggs: Helps hold the crab cakes together and adds richness.
• Garlic: A must for that bold, savory flavor in the scampi sauce.
• Butter: The star ingredient for the sauce—rich, creamy, and just what you need to make the shrimp and crab cakes decadent.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright and zesty finish that balances the richness of the butter.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a little extra umami flavor in the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and a touch of cayenne if you like a little heat.

(Note: The full ingredient list with exact measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this delicious dish? Let’s break it down step by step!

Step 1: Make the Crab Cakes

In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings (like salt, pepper, and paprika), and a tablespoon of melted butter. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much. Form the mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the crab cakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add a little more butter and garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute), then add the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for some spice, if desired. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add more garlic if you love that garlicky goodness, and sauté for 1 minute. Then, stir in lemon juice, a bit of parmesan, and parsley. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Carefully place the cooked crab cakes and shrimp back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with more fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 165mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 28g
Vitamin A: 20% DV
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Crab Cake Scampi

This dish is so rich and flavorful that it can easily stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra garlic-butter sauce left in the skillet.
• Roasted Vegetables: Think roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a mix of seasonal veggies to add color and nutrients to your plate.
• A Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the crab cakes and shrimp.
• Pasta: Serve over a bed of pasta like linguine or angel hair for a complete, indulgent meal.

Additional Tips

• Crab Cake Variations: If you prefer, you can bake the crab cakes in the oven instead of pan-frying. Just place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
• For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the scampi sauce for an added depth of flavor.
• Making It Ahead: You can prepare the crab cakes ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. The scampi sauce also keeps well in the fridge for a day or two.
• Storage: Leftover crab cakes and shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen crab meat?
A1: Yes, frozen crab meat works just fine! Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Q2: Can I make the crab cakes without breadcrumbs?
A2: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even ground almonds as a substitute.

Q3: What if I don’t have fresh shrimp?
A3: No problem! You can use frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Q4: Can I make the crab cakes in advance?
A4: Absolutely! You can form the crab cakes ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook them. Just cook them as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: Can I add more veggies to this dish?
A5: Yes! You can add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for a veggie-packed version.

Q6: Can I use a different type of fish or seafood for the crab cakes?
A6: You can definitely swap crab for other seafood like scallops or even a firm white fish like cod or haddock.

Q7: How do I prevent the crab cakes from falling apart?
A7: Be gentle when mixing the crab mixture and make sure not to overwork it. The egg and breadcrumbs help hold it together, but don’t press the cakes too hard.

Q8: How spicy is this dish?
A8: The spiciness is mild, but if you like it spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Q9: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Use a dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q10: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the shrimp and crab cakes.

Conclusion

Crab Cake Scampi is a delightful, decadent dish that brings together two incredible seafood flavors in one dish. With its crispy crab cakes, succulent shrimp, and indulgent garlic-butter sauce, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something a little fancy, this recipe will hit the spot. Happy cooking!

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