Employing radiant heat from an overhead element to cook crab cakes offers a method for achieving a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a moist and tender interior. This technique is particularly suitable for pre-made or homemade crab cakes seeking a quick and efficient cooking solution. For example, a seasoned crab mixture formed into patties can be placed under the broiler until heated through and lightly browned.
The advantages of this cooking process include speed and control over browning. The proximity to the heat source allows for rapid cooking, minimizing the risk of drying out the crab. Furthermore, visual monitoring enables precise adjustment of cooking time to achieve the desired level of surface coloration. Historically, broiling has been a common method for quickly cooking various foods, predating modern ovens and offering a direct and intense heat application.