Description
These crispy, golden-brown crab cakes are packed with tender, flavorful crab meat and a blend of seasonings. Perfect for a light dinner, appetizer, or a special occasion, these crab cakes are a crowd favorite that offers a delicious balance of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or butter) for frying
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, parsley, breadcrumbs, and egg. Stir until just combined (be careful not to break up the crab too much).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions and shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the crab cakes in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or aioli.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can bake the crab cakes at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it together.
- You can make these crab cakes ahead of time and refrigerate them for 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying (can also be baked)
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Keywords: Crab cakes, seafood cakes, fried crab cakes, crab appetizer, easy crab cakes, homemade crab cakes, seafood recipes