I’m Alex, and I want to show you how to make real Maryland crab cakes. This recipe focuses on using jumbo lump crab meat with minimal filler, giving you a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior that tastes like the Chesapeake Bay coast.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:60 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Seafood Dinner
Method:Pan-Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning, plus more for dusting
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup saltine cracker crumbs (or panko for a lighter texture)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or neutral oil, for cooking
Instructions
Gently pick through the jumbo lump crab meat to remove any remaining shell fragments. Place the crab meat in a medium bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, parsley, 1 tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning, and black pepper until combined. This is your binder mixture.
Sprinkle the saltine cracker crumbs over the crab meat. Pour the binder mixture over the crab and gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula. Do not overmix; you want to keep the lumps intact.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a thick patty, about 1 inch thick. You are aiming for minimal handling to keep the cakes light.
Lightly dust both sides of the formed crab cakes with extra Old Bay Seasoning.
Place the formed crab cakes on a plate lined with parchment paper. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape during cooking.
When ready to cook, heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Carefully place the chilled crab cakes in the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and heated through. Avoid crowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and homemade remoulade sauce.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality lump or jumbo lump crab meat. This is key to achieving a restaurant-style crab cake.
If you prefer baking, place the chilled cakes on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
To make a quick remoulade, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Creole mustard, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and a dash of lemon juice.