A Taste of the Lowcountry: Crab Cakes from a Savannah Chef Savannah, Georgia, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and one dish that embodies the city's Lowcountry spirit is the humble crab cake.

A Taste of the Lowcountry: Crab Cakes from a Savannah Chef

Savannah, Georgia, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and one dish that embodies the city's Lowcountry spirit is the humble crab cake. Fresh from the coastal waters, these mouthwatering patties are a staple of local cuisine, and today we're going to dive into the world of crab cake making with a renowned Savannah chef.

When it comes to cooking with seafood, Savannah chefs know that the key to a great dish lies in the freshness of the ingredients. "For me, it's all about using the best quality seafood I can get my hands on," says Chef Emily Wilson, a Savannah native and owner of the popular restaurant, The Crab Shack. "We're lucky to have some of the best fishing grounds in the country right here in our backyard."

The Secret to Great Crab Cakes

So, what makes a great crab cake? According to Chef Wilson, it's all about the combination of flavors and textures. "You want to have a good balance of moisture from the crab, some crunch from the breadcrumbs, and a depth of flavor from the spices," she explains. To achieve this, Chef Wilson recommends using a combination of jumbo lump crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices, including Old Bay, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

The Recipe

To make a batch of authentic Savannah-style crab cakes, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and beaten egg. 3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. 4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. 5. When ready to cook, heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 6. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the crab mixture into the skillet, pressing gently to form a patty. 7. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. 8. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and a side of cocktail sauce.

Savannah Insider Tips

• For the freshest seafood, head to the Savannah Fishing Piers or the local seafood market, The Crab Shack.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your crab cake recipe – add some diced bell peppers or chopped scallions for extra flavor.
• If you're looking for a fun and casual dining experience, try The Crab Shack's outdoor patio, where you can enjoy your crab cakes while taking in the stunning views of the marsh.

Practical Info

• The Crab Shack: 2020 E River St, Savannah, GA 31401
• Phone: (912) 233-1551
• Hours: 11am – 10pm, Monday – Thursday; 11am – 11pm, Friday – Saturday; 10am – 10pm, Sunday
• Prices: Appetizers $8-$15, Entrees $15-$30