How to Make the Best-Ever Crab Cakes, According to Stephen Colbert and His Wife
- Stephen Colbert's wife, Evie McGee Colbert, has become a frequent guest on The Late Show and a co-author of a cookbook with her husband during the pandemic.
As a fan of late night television, I'll never pass up a Late Show segment because Stephen Colbert brings out the best in any guest. He's a great listener and a sharp, quick thinker who always keeps guests on their toes (in the best way).
But one recurring guest always brings out the absolute best in Colbert. Fun fact: this guest made him admit, "I am a little nervous to have you on here." And that person is Stephen's wife, Evie McGee Colbert .
Stephen and Evie Colbert have been married for more than two decades, but they only started working together during the pandemic, when Evie was Stephen's camera operator for their at-home show. Evie expanded her role on The Late Show when she became the sole audience member and frequent guest. Even now, Evie continues to stop by to read funny greeting cards for her husband's "First Drafts" segment.
Another pandemic passion project was the couple's 2024 cookbook, Does This Taste Funny?: Recipes Our Family Loves . In it, they share cherished family recipes that reflect their South Carolina (and particularly Charleston, SC) roots.
The book includes the Colberts' takes on classics, like buttermilk biscuits and red rice , but no dish screams low-country cooking more than Stephen and Evie's crab cakes.
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"Charlestonians do nothing but cook seafood," Evie told PEOPLE . What's so special about this crab cake recipe is "that they're minimum cake, maximum crab," according to Stephen. And this recipe in particular holds a special significance to the couple because it was Evie's grandmother's recipe that Evie found in an old box.
Although crab cakes usually fall under the appetizer or dinner category, in the Colbert household, they're also a favorite breakfast. "Make more than you need because you'll want them for breakfast," Stephen told PEOPLE . "Break it up like hash, and then put a fried egg on top. So good!"
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How to Make Crab Cakes Like Stephen and Evie McGee Colbert
You can find the recipe for these crab cakes on the PEOPLE website or in the couple's cookbook, but here's the basic idea of how to make them.
Start by mixing together eggs, mayo (the Colberts prefer Duke's Mayonnaise), sherry (which is optional), Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, Japanese panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion and chopped parsley until combined, then gently fold in the fresh crabmeat.
Chill the mixture for 15 minutes, then scoop out 1/2 cup portions and shape them into eight ½-inch-thick crab cakes. In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt some butter. Add the crab cakes and cook until they're golden brown on both sides, which should take about 5 minutes per side. Serve hot paired with some witty banter with your significant other, if possible.
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