Best Homemade Crab Cakes Recipe – Easy, Crispy, and Delicious

Crab cakes are a delicious and flavorful seafood dish that originates from the coastal regions of the United States, particularly Maryland. Made with fresh crab meat, seasonings, and binders, these cakes are pan-fried to golden perfection, offering a crispy outer layer with a soft, flavorful center. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or even in a sandwich, crab cakes make for a delightful treat. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed Crab Cakes Recipe, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, and helpful tips to ensure the best results.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fats: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Cuisine: American, Seafood
• Course: Appetizer, Main Course
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal per serving

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Baking sheet (optional for baking method)
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Ingredients

• 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
2. Gently fold in the crab meat, ensuring you do not break up the lumps too much.
3. Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, then gently mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break the delicate crab meat.

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Crab Cakes

4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6-8 small patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
5. Place the crab cakes on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cakes hold their shape when frying.

Step 3: Cooking the Crab Cakes

Pan-Frying Method:

6. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Carefully place the crab cakes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
8. Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Baking Method (Optional):

9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Place the crab cakes on a greased baking sheet and lightly brush the tops with melted butter.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

12. Serve warm with lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce, remoulade, or a simple aioli.
13. Enjoy as an appetizer, a main dish with a side salad, or in a sandwich with a toasted bun and lettuce.

Tips for the Best Crab Cakes

• Use Fresh Crab Meat: Lump crab meat gives the best texture and flavor. If using canned, drain it well.
• Avoid Overmixing: This helps retain the delicate crab meat texture.
• Chill Before Cooking: This step is crucial for firm crab cakes that don’t fall apart while frying.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Fry in Butter and Oil: A combination of both enhances flavor while preventing burning.

Variations

• Spicy Crab Cakes: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Herbed Crab Cakes: Add chopped fresh dill or cilantro for a unique twist.
• Keto-Friendly: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Conclusion

This Crab Cakes Recipe is a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. With a crispy outer layer and a moist, flavorful center, these crab cakes can be enjoyed as a gourmet appetizer or a satisfying main course. Whether you pan-fry or bake them, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy the taste of fresh, homemade crab cakes!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.