Maryland Crab Cakes
These Maryland-style crab cakes feature succulent jumbo lump crab meat held together with just enough binder to let the sweet seafood flavor shine. Golden-brown on the outside and tender on the inside, they are the ultimate expression of Chesapeake Bay tradition.
Prep
20m
Cook
12m
Serves
4
1 Ingredients
| Qty | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 lb 454 g | Jumbo lump crab meat (picked over for shells) |
| 1 1 | Large egg |
| 1/4 cup 60 ml | Mayonnaise |
| 1 tsp 5 ml | Dijon mustard |
| 1 tsp 5 ml | Worcestershire sauce |
| 1 tsp 2 g | Old Bay seasoning |
| 1/2 cup 30 g | Saltine crackers (finely crushed) |
| 2 tbsp 8 g | Fresh parsley (chopped) |
| 1 tbsp 15 ml | Lemon juice |
| 2 tbsp 28 g | Unsalted butter |
2 Method
Step 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth.
Step 2. Place the jumbo lump crab meat in a separate large bowl. Sprinkle the crushed saltines and fresh parsley over the meat.
Step 3. Gently fold the wet mixture into the crab meat using a rubber spatula. Be very careful not to break up the large lumps of crab meat; the goal is to keep the lumps intact.
Step 4. Divide the mixture into 4 large or 6 medium portions and gently shape into thick patties. Do not over-compress them.
Step 5. Place the patties on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This is critical to ensure they don't fall apart during cooking.
Step 6. Heat the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully add the crab cakes.
Step 7. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and optional remoulade sauce.
💡 Chef's Tips
-
·
Use Saltine crackers instead of breadcrumbs; they provide a lighter, more traditional texture.
-
·
The 30-minute chill time is mandatory to help the binder set properly.
-
·
Always pick through your crab meat by hand to check for bits of shell before mixing.
-
·
Don't over-mix the ingredients; large lumps are the hallmark of a high-quality crab cake.
Be the first to leave a comment.