Crab Cakes Recipe
Crab Cakes are a delicious seafood dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, these cakes are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these crab cakes are sure to impress.
Crispy on the outside with a tender, flavorful crab-filled center. These Crab Cakes are packed with fresh crab meat, savory seasonings, and just the right amount of crunch. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers.
Crab Cakes are perfect for a seafood craving, and they’re so easy to make! The combination of fresh crab meat, herbs, and a crispy breadcrumb coating makes these cakes irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile — serve them with a side salad, over rice, or with a delicious remoulade sauce. This recipe is ideal for a light dinner or a showstopping appetizer for a gathering.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet (optional for oven-baked option)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh crab meat (lump or claw)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred seafood seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
For the Remoulade Sauce (Optional):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon capers, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, and the beaten egg.
- Gently mix everything together, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Form the Crab Cakes:
- Using your hands, shape the crab mixture into small patties (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
- If the mixture is too wet or loose, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together well.
3. Cook the Crab Cakes:
- Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the crab cakes to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Gently flip with a spatula or tongs.Alternatively, you can bake the crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crisp.
4. Prepare the Remoulade Sauce (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, capers, salt, and pepper.
- Serve alongside the crab cakes for dipping.
5. Serve:
- Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with the remoulade sauce, a squeeze of lemon, and your favorite side dish.
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Crab Cakes Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet (optional for oven-baked option)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh crab meat lump or claw
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko for extra crunch
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or your preferred seafood seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 egg beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
- For the Remoulade Sauce Optional:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
- 1 teaspoon capers chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, and the beaten egg.
- Gently mix everything together, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the Crab Cakes:
- Using your hands, shape the crab mixture into small patties (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
- If the mixture is too wet or loose, add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together well.
- Cook the Crab Cakes:
- Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the crab cakes to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Gently flip with a spatula or tongs.
- Alternatively, you can bake the crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the Remoulade Sauce (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, capers, salt, and pepper.
- Serve alongside the crab cakes for dipping.
- Serve:
- Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with the remoulade sauce, a squeeze of lemon, and your favorite side dish.
Tips for Cooking
- Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor, but canned crab meat can also be used as a substitute.
- Make ahead: You can form the crab cakes ahead of time and refrigerate them for 30 minutes to 1 hour before frying, which helps them hold together better.
- Customize the seasoning: Feel free to add more spices like paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Crab Cakes are a classic and versatile dish that everyone loves. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or new to crab, these cakes are easy to make and packed with flavor. The crispy exterior and tender interior make them a perfect bite, and the tangy remoulade sauce elevates them even more.
If you’re craving a delicious and satisfying seafood dish, Crab Cakes are a must-try! Whether you serve them as a main course or appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give this recipe a go, and enjoy these crispy, flavorful crab cakes in no time!
