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Maryland-Style Crab Cakes Recipe

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 large or 6 medium crab cakes 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
  • Method: Pan-Fried, Baked
  • Cuisine: American, Maryland-Style

Description

These Maryland-Style Crab Cakes are loaded with sweet lump crab meat, just the right amount of seasoning, and a crispy golden-brown crust. Perfectly tender inside, they’re served best with lemon wedges and a creamy remoulade sauce!


Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Crab Cakes:
  • 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh, not imitation)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)
For Serving:
  • Lemon wedges
  • Tartar sauce or remoulade

Instructions

Prepare the Crab Cakes:

  1. Mix the Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, gently mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and lemon juice until just combined.
    • Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
  2. Shape & Chill:

    • Form the mixture into 4 large or 6 medium patties.
    • Place on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes (this helps them hold their shape).

Cook the Crab Cakes:

  1. Pan-Fry Method:

    • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Cook crab cakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
  2. Oven Method:

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Serve & Enjoy:

  1. Plate & Garnish:
    • Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce or remoulade.
    • Enjoy with a side salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies!

 



Notes

  • For crispier crab cakes, coat them lightly in extra breadcrumbs before frying.
  • Want extra spice? Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mix.
  • Leftovers? Store in the fridge for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.