20 Things Every Coastal Cook Should Know

THE ESSENTIAL TOOLS, CROWD-PLEASING RECIPES (THAT YOU CAN MEMORIZE!), AND GENERAL KNOW-HOW YOU NEED TO MAKE LIFE AT THE BEACH TASTE THAT MUCH BETTER

1 The Only Crab Cake Recipe You'll Ever Need

The Best-Ever Crab Cakes

ACTIVE 15 min.

TOTAL 1 hour, 15 min.

You probably have most of the ingredients on hand for these simple, elegant crab cakes; just make a quick run to the seafood market for fresh lump crabmeat. Toss together a bright, seasonal salad while the crab cakes chill.

3 Tbsp. mayonnaise

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

½ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 lb. lump crabmeat, picked

2/3 cup panko

2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

3 Tbsp. butter

1. Whisk together first 5 ingredients in a bowl. Gently stir in crab, panko, and parsley. Shape mixture into 12 (3-inch) patties, pressing gently to flatten. Place patties on a baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour.

2. Melt 1½ tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 patties to pan; cook 2½ minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove crab cakes from pan; repeat with remaining 1½ tablespoons butter and remaining 6 patties. Serves 6.

2 THE THREE GO-WITH-ANYTHING SAUCES OF COASTAL CUISINE

Rémoulade

Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup minced shallots, 4 cup finely chopped pickles, 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped capers, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard or Creole mustard, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon sriracha in a bowl; stir well to combine. Makes 1½ cups.