Ree Drummond, the iconic Pioneer Woman, is known for her comforting and approachable recipes that bring families together. While she admits crab cakes weren’t always in her repertoire, her take on this classic dish is set to become a new favorite. Drummond’s crab cake recipe, highlighted in a recent cooking demonstration, promises to be both “amazing” and surprisingly simple for home cooks to master. Paired with a zesty five-ingredient remoulade, this Pioneer Woman Crab Cakes recipe offers an elegant meal that’s perfect for impressing guests or elevating a weeknight dinner.
Ree Drummond shares her cooking expertise on the Today show, demonstrating a recipe in a vibrant red top.
Crafting the Perfect Pioneer Woman Crab Cakes
Drummond starts by emphasizing the versatility of her crab cake recipe. The base is a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, bright lemon zest, and seafood seasoning. She encourages home cooks to personalize the seasoning blend, suggesting options like chili powder, paprika, or garlic powder to suit individual tastes. This flexibility makes the recipe adaptable and user-friendly.
Moving on to the key ingredients, Drummond incorporates a beaten egg to bind the mixture, fresh parsley for a touch of herbaceousness, and panko crumbs for a light and crispy texture. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, and the star of the show, lump crab meat, completes the crab cake base. Drummond reassures cooks that the type of crab meat is flexible, stating, “Canned is fine, fresh is fine, frozen is fine, depending on your locale. You can use anything you want.” This accessibility is a hallmark of Pioneer Woman recipes, making gourmet-style dishes achievable for everyone. She celebrates the transformation of humble ingredients, like canned crab meat, into an “elegant” dish, perfect for a special occasion or a delightful dinner.
Ree Drummond in her element, cooking in the Today show kitchen and wearing a cheerful floral blouse.
Broiling for Ease and Flavor
A unique aspect of Ree Drummond’s crab cake recipe is her broiling method. Instead of pan-frying, she broils the crab cakes in the oven, simplifying the cooking process and reducing added fats. Drummond forms the crab mixture into uniform cakes using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, ensuring consistent size and shape. She places these cakes on a buttered sheet pan and brushes the tops with melted butter before broiling. This butter brush is key, as Drummond explains it enhances browning and adds a “delicious flavor of butter” to the finished crab cakes. Broiling ensures a beautifully browned and slightly crispy exterior, while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Ree Drummond’s 5-Ingredient Remoulade Sauce
No crab cake is complete without a flavorful sauce, and Ree Drummond’s 5-ingredient remoulade is the perfect accompaniment to her crab cakes. Drummond simplifies this classic sauce, combining mayonnaise, chopped capers for briny bursts, lemon juice for acidity, garlic salt for savory depth, and pepper for a touch of spice. “And that is the five-ingredient remoulade,” she declares, highlighting the ease and minimal ingredients required for maximum flavor. This remoulade perfectly complements the richness of the crab cakes, adding a refreshing and tangy counterpoint.
Serving and Enjoying Your Pioneer Woman Crab Cakes
Once broiled to golden-brown perfection, Drummond arranges the crab cakes on a platter, showcasing their appealing color and texture. She sprinkles fresh parsley over the top for a final touch of freshness and visual appeal. Describing the finished dish, Drummond calls her crab cakes “gorgeous, easy, simple, beautiful,” perfectly encapsulating the essence of Pioneer Woman cooking. For complete ingredient measurements and detailed directions, you can find the full recipe on the Food Network website.
The secret to truly exceptional crab cakes, as noted on The Pioneer Woman website, lies in the ratio of crab meat to filler. The ideal crab cake should be packed with “juicy crab and spices” and not overwhelmed by breadcrumbs or fillers. Ree Drummond’s recipe expertly balances these elements, delivering crab cakes that are both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to seafood, Pioneer Woman crab cakes are a must-try recipe that brings a touch of elegance to any table.
