
Classic Maryland Crab Cakes
Juicy, flavorful crab cakes with a crispy exterior and tender interior, perfect for seafood lovers.
15 mins
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Prepare the crab mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped parsley. Be careful not to break up the crab lumps too much.
Shape the crab cakes: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 1-inch thick. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat until the butter is foamy but not browned.
Cook the crab cakes: Carefully add the crab cakes to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and serve: Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Optional sauce: For extra flavor, serve with tartar sauce or a remoulade made with mayonnaise, capers, and a dash of hot sauce.
Chef's Tips
- Fresh crab is best: For the most authentic flavor, use fresh lump crab meat instead of canned.
- Handle gently: Overmixing can break down the crab meat, making the cakes dense instead of tender.
- Chill before cooking: Refrigerating the shaped cakes helps them hold together better during cooking.
- Pan-fry for crispiness: Pan-frying gives the best texture, but you can also bake them at 375°F for 15-20 minutes for a lighter option.
- Make ahead: You can shape the crab cakes a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.