Can you reheat cooked crab cakes?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can safely reheat cooked crab cakes. The best way is to use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat crab cakes in the microwave, but they may become soggy. Microwave in 30 second intervals, checking frequently, until heated through. Avoid overcooking crab cakes when reheating as they can dry out.

What are crab cakes?

Crab cakes are a popular appetizer or main course made predominantly from crab meat. The key ingredients in crab cakes typically include:

• Lump crab meat or imitation crab – Crab cakes are usually made with lump crab meat from blue crabs or imitation crab. Lump crab has more texture and flavor compared to crab finely shredded into smaller pieces.
• Breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs – Dry breadcrumbs or crushed crackers help bind the crab cake mixture together and provide structure.
• Mayonnaise or egg – Mayonnaise or beaten egg act as the main binder to hold the crab cakes together.
• Seasonings – Old Bay seafood seasoning, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, herbs, garlic, and black pepper add flavor.
• Fillers – Some recipes include fillers like chopped bell peppers or onions for added texture and bulk.

The crab meat is gently mixed together with the binder, seasonings, and any fillers until just combined. The mixture is then formed into round patties or cakes and chilled before cooking. Crab cakes can be pan fried, broiled, or baked until golden brown on the outside and hot throughout.

Can you reheat cooked crab cakes?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to reheat cooked crab cakes. The most important factors are using proper reheating methods and handling to prevent overcooking the crab cakes or making them soggy.

Pre-cooked crab cakes just need to be reheated until hot, around 165°F internally. Crab meat itself is fully cooked during the initial cooking process. Reheating is simply to restore temperature and texture rather than to cook the crab cakes further.

Follow these tips for safely reheating cooked crab cakes:

• Use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This allows the crab cakes to heat gradually without overcooking the outside.
• Microwave in 30 second intervals, checking frequently, until heated through 165°F.
• Do not overcook, as crab cakes can become dry and rubbery.
• Let rest 1-2 minutes after reheating so the temperature equalizes.
• Enhance moisture by coating the crab cakes lightly in melted butter or oil before reheating.

Avoid direct stovetop reheating methods like sautéing, as these can overly brown the outside before the interior is hot. Steaming is also not recommended, as this can make crab cakes soggy.

How to reheat crab cakes in the oven

The oven is the best way to reheat crab cakes to maintain both moisture and texture. Follow these instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
3. Arrange crab cakes in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
4. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter or oil to enhance moisture and prevent drying.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through 165°F internally. Use a food thermometer to check temperature.
6. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving so heat distributes evenly.

The gradual oven heat allows the crab cakes to warm gently without drying out the exterior. Brushing with butter or oil gives a nice enhancement of flavor and moisture too.

Oven reheating tips

• Watch crab cakes closely to prevent overbaking.
• Bake in a single layer so all sides heat evenly.
• Adjust reheating time as needed based on size of crab cakes.
• Tent loosely with foil if crab cakes seem to be browning too quickly on top.

Baking is a reliable, hands-off method for reheating crab cakes to perfection.

How to reheat crab cakes in the microwave

The microwave can also be used to reheat cooked crab cakes, though there is higher risk of drying them out. Follow these tips:

1. Arrange crab cakes on a microwave-safe plate without overlapping.
2. Cover loosely with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
3. Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, checking frequently.
4. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving.
5. Add a cup of water to the microwave when reheating to introduce steam if crab cakes seem dry.

Microwaving can cause crab cakes to dry out, so use care:

• Only microwave until heated through, not longer.
• Check temperature with a food thermometer to prevent overcooking.
• Watch closely and rotate or stir crab cakes at least once.
• Brush with butter or oil before reheating if desired.

The microwave provides a quick reheating option, but requires caution to avoid drying out the crab cakes.

How long can you store cooked crab cakes?

Properly stored, cooked crab cakes will last:

• Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
• Freezer: 2 to 3 months

To maximize freshness and shelf life:

• Cool crab cakes quickly after cooking, within 2 hours.
• Store cooked crab cakes in an airtight container.
• Seal air-tight if freezing, using heavy duty freezer bags or plastic wrap.
• Freeze crab cakes in a single layer before consolidating to prevent freezing into a block.
• Do not refreeze previously frozen crab cakes after thawing.

Follow the “best by” dates of any pre-made or store-bought crab cakes as well. Discard any crab cakes that develop an off odor, flavor, or appearance.

Can you freeze cooked crab cakes?

Yes, cooked crab cakes freeze well for 2 to 3 months when properly stored. To freeze:

1. Cool cooked crab cakes completely, within 2 hours of cooking.
2. Individually wrap each crab cake in plastic wrap or place in ziplock freezer bags.
3. Lay crab cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate and freeze until solid.
4. Transfer frozen crab cakes to a freezer bag or airtight container, remoiving as much air as possible.
5. Label package with contents and freeze-by date.
6. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months at 0°F or below.

Freezing in a single layer prevents crab cakes from freezing together in a block. Airtight packaging prevents freezer burn.

Thaw frozen crab cakes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Do not attempt to re-freeze previously frozen crab cakes. Reheat thawed crab cakes using the oven or microwave methods.

Can you reheat crab cakes from frozen?

It is possible to reheat frozen crab cakes without thawing first, though thawing them overnight in the refrigerator is recommended for best quality.

To reheat frozen crab cakes:

• Oven: Place still-frozen crab cakes on a baking sheet and increase oven temperature to 375°F. Bake 15-20 minutes until heated through 165°F.
• Microwave: Microwave frozen crab cakes in 30 second intervals until thawed and heated through, checking temperature with food thermometer.

Allow crab cakes to rest a few minutes after reheating since the center will be hotter than the edges when initially removed from oven or microwave.

Thawed crab cakes are easier to handle and reheat more evenly. But reheating from frozen is fine in a pinch using slightly higher temperature and longer cooking time.

Common reheating mistakes

It’s easy to overcook or dry out crab cakes when reheating. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking – Use a food thermometer and don’t exceed 165°F internal temperature.
• Microwaving too long – Check frequently and microwave in short intervals.
• Sautéing over direct heat – Sautéing can overbrown the exterior before the middle is hot.
• Steaming – Steaming can make crab cakes soggy.
• Re-freezing after thawing – Thawed crab cakes should not be re-frozen.

Monitor crab cakes closely when reheating and choose gentler methods like the oven or microwave. With care, cooked crab cakes can be safely reheated to retain their delicious flaky texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Cooked crab cakes can absolutely be reheated safely when using proper techniques. The oven or toaster oven provides the most gentle, even reheating at around 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving can also work in short intervals with caution not to overcook. Key tips include avoiding direct stovetop heat, steaming, overcooking, and re-freezing after thawing. Storing crab cakes properly refrigerated or frozen will maximize freshness as well. With some simple care, leftover crab cakes can be reheated to taste just as fresh and delicious as the original cooking.