The Ultimate Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes

The BEST Maryland crab cakes recipe! No soggy fillers, just sweet lump crab, Old Bay & a chef's trick for crispy edges. An easy crab cake dinner dream!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that taste of summer? This crab cakes recipe delivers! These are Maryland-style. They taste fresh from the Chesapeake Bay.

Brief Overview

Maryland crab cakes are iconic. they are a taste of the coast. this recipe brings that to your kitchen. it is of medium difficulty.

It takes an hour. this recipe makes four servings. two cakes per person.

Main Benefits

Crab is packed with protein. It's also high in Omega-3s. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner. Honestly, it's the best crab cakes recipe ever!

Let's talk ingredients! My grandma always said, "The key is good crab." She was so right. We're using one pound of jumbo lump crab. It has to be fresh.

Make sure you remove any shells. nobody wants a crunchy surprise. speaking of surprises, don’t skip the old bay! it’s what makes these maryland crab cakes recipe old bay seasoning sing.

It gives them that classic flavor.

I learned the hard way. Overmixing is a no-no. Don't overmix. Otherwise, they will be tough. Gently fold everything together. Just until it's combined. Think of it like handling a delicate flower.

Now, what about No Mayo Crab Cakes ? I hear you. But honestly, the mayo helps bind. We only use one-quarter cup. Trust me on this one. It is very important.

You can also get creative. Want to make Crab Balls Recipe Baked ? Go for it! Just adjust the baking time. For a fancier twist, try Crab And Shrimp Cakes .

Another thing I like doing is making them small into Maryland Crab Balls .

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this awesome crab cakes recipe . Seriously, these are gonna be epic.

Ingredients & Equipment

This ain't rocket science. Let's keep it simple and delicious.

Main Ingredients: Crabby Goodness!

• 1 pound (454g) of glorious jumbo lump crab meat . Get the good stuff. It's worth it. Look for bright white color. Make sure it smells fresh, like the ocean. Avoid anything fishy.
• 1/4 cup (30g) of mayo. Hellmann's/Best Foods is my go-to.
• 1 large egg, beaten.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Dijon mustard. Adds a little tang.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Worcestershire sauce.
• 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning . Can't have a proper Maryland crab cakes recipe Old Bay Seasoning without it!
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is best.
• 1/4 cup (30g) of panko breadcrumbs. For that crispy crust.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil. For pan-frying these babies.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Old bay seasoning is your best friend here. it's what makes these maryland crab cakes recipe sing. no joke. honestly, the spice blend is key.

For easy crab cake recipe or canned crab cakes recipe easy , use real spices and never substitute. if you are using this for crab cake breakfast ideas , crab cake dinner ideas or dinners with crab meat , make sure the spice is on point.

Don't skimp! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Or a dash of hot sauce. Try it and you'll never go back!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• A big bowl for mixing.
• A small bowl for the egg.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Duh.
• A skillet or frying pan. Cast iron is great, but anything works.
• A spatula. For flipping those cakes gently.

That's it! you don't need fancy gadgets to make amazing crab cakes recipe best baked . you can even make crab cake balls recipe baked using this method with only slight modifications to the procedure! i made this into crab and shrimp cakes once when i only had 1/2 pound of crab meat meals using some shrimp.

I still call them my best new england crab cakes . you could even try stove top crab cakes . now let's get cooking, before i start rambling about faidleys crab cakes recipe !

Cooking Method: Pan-Fried Crab Cakes

Honestly, who doesn't love a good crab cakes recipe ? i mean, seriously! i grew up near the chesapeake bay, and there's nothing like that maryland crab cakes recipe old bay seasoning aroma wafting through the air.

We're going for the ultimate maryland lump crab cakes recipe here. not those sad, flat things you get at some restaurants.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

Essential mise en place is key. chop your parsley, have your ingredients measured, and keep your workspace clean. time-saving tip? measure everything into small bowls before you even start.

Honestly, it's a game-changer! safety first, too. make sure your skillet is stable and always pay attention when working with hot oil.

Hot oil is no joke.

Step-by-Step: Crab Cake Perfection

Here's how to make these best crab cakes recipe Maryland :

1. Combine mayonnaise, egg, Dijon, Worcestershire, Old Bay, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Gently fold in 1 pound of jumbo lump crab meat. Be gentle!
3. Add 1/4 cup of panko.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes . Trust me on this one.
5. Form into 8 patties.
6. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
7. Cook 5- 6 minutes per side, until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want that faidleys crab cakes recipe flavor? here's my secret: don't overmix! seriously, the crab should be the star. a common mistake is adding too much binder.

You want the crab to shine. instead of too much mayo, try making them no mayo crab cakes . want to get ahead? form the crab cakes and chill them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

This is great for crab cake dinner ideas for busy weeknights.

Why not try some crab cake breakfast ideas , just slap on a egg and enjoy. if you love crab meat so much you can even have a dinners with crab meat .

I love the crispiness that comes from doing it on the stove top crab cakes , but, you can even consider the crab cakes recipe best baked , for a low calorie option.

Oh my gosh, I'm already drooling!

Okay, let's dish about these amazing crab cakes recipe ! i'm telling you, once you nail this, you'll be the star of every cookout.

Think maryland crab cakes recipe old bay seasoning ! i've tweaked and played around with this recipe for ages. the result? pure crabby bliss.

Recipe Notes

These notes are your secret weapon, honestly! They will help you rock this crab cakes recipe best baked or pan-fried. Let's dive in.

Serving them Like a Pro

Okay, plating matters. seriously. a lemon wedge is a must. think a little fresh parsley too! i like to serve my maryland lump crab cakes recipe with a zesty coleslaw.

It cuts through the richness perfectly. a light salad works wonders. or think about grilled asparagus. for a fancy touch, try a lemon-garlic aioli.

Crab cake dinner ideas just got a whole lot better!

Storage Is Your Friend

If you have leftover maryland crab balls , you're in luck! they keep well. pop them in the fridge in an airtight container.

They're good for about 3 days. want to freeze them? absolutely! wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. they'll last for about 2 months.

When reheating, use the oven. that is the best way to maintain their crispness. reheat at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 15 minutes.

Make it Your Crab Cakes Recipe !

Want to mix it up? go for it! make a no mayo crab cakes version. try greek yogurt instead. for a gluten-free take, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

I love adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy crab cakes recipe. don't be scared to swap in some seasonal ingredients.

The best crab cakes recipe maryland is also the most flexible!

Nutrition Breakdown

Let's keep it real. these crab cakes recipe are delicious! they are also pretty good for you. crab meat is packed with protein.

Just watch the sodium. it can be sneaky, especially in the old bay. the good news is that it's a good source of protein.

This recipe gives dinners with crab meat a very healthy name!

Listen, making crab cakes recipe should be fun. don't stress about perfection. each batch is a learning experience. i hope this helps.

You're going to love these! now, go get your faidleys crab cakes recipe on! you are going to make the easy crab cake recipe , with this recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my crab cakes falling apart? What can I do to fix this?

Nobody wants a crab cake casualty! The most common culprit is not chilling the mixture for long enough. Make sure to chill the crab cake mixture for at least 30 minutes. This allows the binder to firm up. Also, be gentle when forming and cooking them; they're a bit like a temperamental soufflé!

Can I use different types of crab meat for this crab cakes recipe?

Absolutely! While jumbo lump crab meat is the gold standard and gives the best texture, you can definitely use other types. Backfin crab meat is a good, more affordable alternative. Just avoid using claw meat as the flavor is stronger and can overwhelm the other ingredients. Think of it like using the right tea leaves for your afternoon cuppa – it makes a difference!

How can I prevent my crab cakes from being dry?

Dry crab cakes are a real letdown. Don't overmix the ingredients, as this can make the crab tough and squeeze out moisture. Using good quality mayonnaise also helps – the real stuff, not the watery imitation! Also, be careful not to overcook them; they're done when they're golden brown and heated through. Remember, a little goes a long way, even with mayo.

What's the best way to store leftover crab cakes, and how long will they last?

Leftover crab cakes are great the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll be good for up to 2-3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet, oven, or even an air fryer to crisp them back up. Just don't leave them out on the counter like a forgotten cup of tea!

Can I bake these crab cakes instead of frying them, and will it affect the nutritional value of the crab cakes recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely bake them for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Baking reduces the fat content compared to frying, which will impact the overall calorie count. Less fat might be good, but the taste is different, like comparing a fry-up to poached eggs - both good, just different!

What are some good side dishes to serve with this crab cakes recipe besides the ones mentioned?

Beyond the classics, crab cakes are versatile! Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers offer a healthy and flavorful complement. A simple corn and black bean salsa adds a refreshing zest. Or, for a bit of comforting flair, try serving them atop a bed of creamy grits – Southern comfort food at its best! Just be mindful of flavors that will compete with the crab!

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