Description
Maryland crab cakes are a classic coastal delight, known for their fresh, sweet lump crab meat and minimal fillers. This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden cakes on the outside and tender, flavorful bites on the inside. Pair with tartar sauce for an authentic Chesapeake Bay experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ tablespoons mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup finely diced celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable or canola oil (for cooking)
Quick Tartar Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced red onion
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Crab Cake Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the celery and parsley evenly.
- Gently fold in lump crab meat to preserve its texture. Add panko breadcrumbs and mix lightly until just combined.
Shaping the Crab Cakes:
- Divide the mixture into equal portions, shaping each into 1-inch-thick patties.
- Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Cooking the Crab Cakes:
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook crab cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Making the Tartar Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, red onion, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the lemon juice for preferred tanginess.
Notes
- Broiling Option: Place crab cakes on a greased baking sheet and broil for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked crab cakes on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet-Fried
- Cuisine: American