Seafood

Maryland Crab Cakes

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

1

Step 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth.

2

Step 2. Place the jumbo lump crab meat in a separate large bowl. Sprinkle the crushed saltines and fresh parsley over the meat.

3

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.

4

Step 4. Divide the mixture into 4 large or 6 medium portions and gently shape into thick patties. Do not over-compress them.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

? FAQ

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
What is the best type of crab meat to use?
Jumbo Lump is the gold standard for Maryland crab cakes, offering the best texture and sweet flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to cook.
How do I keep the crab cakes from falling apart?
Ensure you chill them for at least 30 minutes before cooking and avoid flipping them more than once in the pan.

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