Thursday, January 29, 2009

Crab Cakes at Boarman's Meat Market

Trust the place in the country to give you a taste of the bay -- and pick up crab cakes for an easy dinner at Boarman's Meat Market.

Boarman's is an institution on Rte 108 in Highland, and the house-made sausage is worth driving out. But Boarman's also makes crab cakes -- each the size of a fist and packed with tasty meat. On earlier visits, I had missed this treat in a case full of meat, but I got the tip from a friend. The cakes are moist and lightly seasoned. Maybe Old Bay? I wasn't exactly sure. I just dropped them on tinfoil and broiled until they browned on each side.

The crab cakes are normally $4 each. One would make a fine meal if you add a few side dishes. Easy enough for a weeknight. Delicious enough for a treat. Mrs. HowChow and I split four, and they were honestly too much for a single meal. (Not that I didn't finish my two!)

The other famous local crab cakes are at Timbuktu just off Rte 100. If you go to Boarman's, it is an easy drive up Rte 108 to Root's Market. That organic market is full of options to round out a meal.

Boarman's Meat Market
13402 Clarksville Pike (Rte 108)
Highland, MD
301-854-2883


NEAR: Boarman's is the intersection of Rte 108 and Rte 216. It's south of Clarksville and west of Fulton.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Picked some up today based on the blog! The guy behind the counter just said broil them in the oven until golden brown on both sides. Can do, but any idea how long?

BeerGuy said...

Maryland outsider here, not a crab cake expert, BUT

I'd hit broil and cook at least five minutes, tops of 15. Just keep an eye on it, you're trying to warm it more than anything and let that outside crisp just enough, unless other fish parts were added you can almost eat it raw so its just about warming the thing up to taste without drying it out.

Anonymous said...

Thanks BeerGuy!

HowChow said...

I'm with the Beer Guy. I broil them until they're lightly browned. Mrs. HowChow has a physician's distrust of raw food, so I might even go a little more. The Boarman's crab cake was still moist when it was cooked all the way through.

Anonymous said...

They turned out great! Put the oven in broil mode and using a broiler pan and had a good golden brown crust on the top at about 7 minutes 30 seconds. Flipped them and put them in for about 4 more minutes until the top and the bottom were about the same consistency. They were definitely hot throughout. I loved them, my wife had a piece of shell or two, but I think thats somehow unavoidable.

Thanks for the tips HowChow & BeerGuy!

Chris.

BeerGuy said...

Excellent.

And, I'm jealous. Will have to try those out soon.

Anonymous said...

New cafe in Highland next to Subway: Hidden Treasure Cafe. Ice cream, wraps, salads, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, cafe, casual and friendly.

ray f said...

The Crab Cakes at Boarman’s are certainly some of the best anywhere and worth the $4.00 price each. I like to pan broil the crab cakes in a non-stick skillet on the stove using medium heat with a little butter and oil in the pan. Preheat the pan, add the oil, butter and crab cakes in the order. Cook on each side 3-5 minutes, serve with lemon wedge, enjoy. Ray F