Truly Scrumptious Maryland Crab Cakes

Want a taste of the Chesapeake? This maryland crab cake recipe is simple, honest, and delicious! Get ready to channel your inner Maryland waterman. Get the recipe now!

Maryland Crab Cake Recipe: Truly Scrumptious Shore to Door!

June 6, 2025
By Laura Tide.

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Recipe Introduction: Maryland Crab Cake Recipe Bliss

Ever get a craving for something truly special? honestly, sometimes all i want is a taste of the sea. this maryland crab cake recipe nails it every single time.

Trust me, you're going to love this one.

A Taste of the Chesapeake

These maryland crab cakes aren’t just food. they are a little bite of maryland history. they celebrate the sweet taste of fresh crab meat.

This recipe is fairly straightforward. it takes about an hour. it will make 4 yummy cakes.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Let's talk benefits, shall we? crab is packed with protein. it is also full of essential minerals. these crab cakes are ideal for a fancy seafood dinner or a casual get-together.

They offer a taste of summer, no matter the weather. the star of the show is, of course, the crab.

Make sure you get the best jumbo lump crab meat you can find! it really makes all the difference.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's a quick rundown of the ingredients.

1 pound (454g) jumbo lump crab meat
1/4 cup (30g) mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (30ml) butter
1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil

Truly Scrumptious Maryland Crab Cakes presentation

Cooking the Yummy Recipes: Crab Cake Edition

Making these is actually easier than you think! first, mix all the ingredients gently. be sure not to overmix the crab meat.

Gently form them into patties. then, fry them in a pan until golden brown. voila! ready to go.

Serving Suggestions: Crab Cakes with a Twist

Thinking of sides? a classic coleslaw or some grilled asparagus are great choices. a squeeze of lemon adds a zesty kick.

Some people love them alongside mahi mahi or even as part of a gumbo inspired meal. it's totally up to you.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment!

Feel free to make this Maryland Crab Cake Recipe your own. Add a pinch of cayenne for some spice. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to. The possibilities are endless!

Ultimately, this recipe will turn you into a Crab Cake making legend. Prepare to impress your mates with some delightful Fish Dishes .

Alright, let's chat about what you need to whip up some amazing maryland crab cake recipe . it's easier than you think, honestly.

Forget fancy chef skills – we're going for tasty, not michelin stars!

Getting Your Gear & Grub Sorted

So, you want to make maryland crab cakes ? right, lets get your ingredients sorted. this is where the magic happens.

Let's get started so you can whip up one of these crab cake recipes !

Main Ingredients: The Crab!

First, the star of the show: 1 pound (454g) of jumbo lump crab meat. seriously, splurge on the good stuff.

Look for a sweet smell and big, beautiful lumps. not that shredded stuff, okay? and you gotta pick through it.

Shells are not a pleasant surprise. i once found a tiny crab claw. honestly!

Next, you need 1/4 cup (30g) mayonnaise . i like hellman’s/best foods. it’s a classic. then 1 large egg , lightly beaten.

Don't go crazy, just a little whisk. 1 tablespoon (15ml) dijon mustard adds a nice kick. add 1 tablespoon (15ml) worcestershire sauce for a bit of umami.

And 1/2 teaspoon old bay seasoning . this is key. it's a maryland thing. also, don't forget 1/4 teaspoon black pepper is more than welcome to the mix.

Finally, 1/4 cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs , plus extra for coating. panko gives a nice, crispy crust, you know?

Lastly, you will need 2 tablespoons (30ml) butter , unsalted, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil . This combo gives you flavour and prevents burning.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Old bay is a must for maryland crab cakes . no arguments. a little dijon adds depth, too. if you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cayenne can kick it up a notch.

Don't overdo it though! for an extra flavor boost, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture, it is really amazing.

Honestly, my secret ingredient is a tiny splash of lemon juice; brightens everything up.

If you don't have Old Bay (shocking!), a mix of celery salt, paprika, and a touch of dry mustard will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You really don’t need much. You will need a Large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a skillet or large frying pan. A spatula is also needed for flipping.

You can use a fork instead of a fancy spatula. Anything works, you know?

Alright, let's get cracking on this Maryland crab cake recipe piece! Think of it as chatting over a cuppa, yeah?

Cooking Method: Maryland Crab Cakes - Proper Good!

Honestly, are there many things better than a seafood dinner featuring gorgeous crab cakes ? especially when they're done right.

We're not talking about those awful, bready imitations, mind you. we're talking real maryland crab cakes , packed with sweet, succulent crab and just enough binding to hold them together.

It's pure yummy recipes territory. i actually saw a great looking maryland crab cake recipe over at allrecipes the other day.

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Sorted Before You Start

First, the mise en place , which is just a fancy way of saying "get your act together before you start cooking".

This means having all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. for these crab cakes , that means picking through your crab meat for any pesky shells (nobody wants a crunchy surprise!), chopping your onions, and having your breadcrumbs ready.

A little organisation saves a world of stress, trust me. oh and for goodness sake remember to give your hands a good scrub!

Cooking Maryland Crab Cakes: Step-by-Step (No Faff!)

Right, let's get down to business! Remember, we want these Crab Recipes to shine.

In a bowl, gently mix 1 pound of jumbo lump crab with 1/4 cup mayo, 1 beaten egg, 1 tbsp Dijon, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp Old Bay, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Fold in 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs gently . We want lumps of crab, not a paste!
Chill for at least 30 minutes . This helps the cakes hold their shape. Honestly, don't skip this step!
Form into 4 equal-sized cakes. Be gentle!
Dredge in extra panko breadcrumbs. This gives them a lovely crunch.
Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook for 5- 6 minutes per side, until golden brown. The internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) .
Serve immediately, ideally with a dollop of homemade tartar sauce, maybe even some mahi mahi on the side if you want to be a bit fancy!.

Pro Tips for Cracking Crab Cakes

One thing i've learned is never overmix the crab mixture. it makes the cakes tough. and a little trick for extra crispy crab cakes ? use a mixture of butter and oil when frying.

The butter adds flavour, and the oil raises the smoke point, preventing burning. if you want to try something different try adding cayenne pepper.

These crab cakes are fantastic served with a side of classic coleslaw and a lemon wedge. you can also try them with a spicy remoulade sauce instead of tartar sauce.

Fish dishes don't get much better than this, you know?

Give this maryland crab cake recipe a whirl. It’s miles better than anything you'll find at the shops! Honestly, you'll never look at Crab Cakes the same way again.

Right then, let's add some recipe notes to our truly scrumptious maryland crab cake recipe ! we want to make sure your crab cakes are absolute perfection, yeah? honestly, these little notes are the difference between a good crab cake and a "oh my gosh!" amazing crab cake.

Serving Up Some Deliciousness

Plating Like a Pro, Mate!

Think about how you're going to present these little beauties. a simple plate with a lemon wedge works. but, you could also go fancy.

Maybe a smear of aioli? get creative! remember, we eat with our eyes first. and the presentation matters, right?

Sides and Sips

What goes with a cracking seafood dinner like crab cakes ? classic coleslaw is always a winner. grilled asparagus? bang on.

Or, how about a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc? you know, something that cuts through the richness. if you are feeling like some comfort yummy recipes , you can even serve it up with a creamy gumbo .

Crabby Storage Solutions

Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've made a batch of these. and you need to store them? no worries! just pop them in the fridge in an airtight container.

They'll be good for about 2-3 days. just make sure they're properly chilled, yeah?

Freezing Frenzy

Fancy making a load and freezing them? you totally can! wrap each crab cake individually in cling film. then, put them in a freezer bag.

They'll keep for about a month or two.

Reheating Realness

Reheating is easy peasy. you can pan-fry them gently. or, bake them in the oven until they're heated through. just don't overcook them, or they'll go rubbery.

Nobody wants rubbery crab cake recipes !

Crabby Variations

Dietary Dodges

Want to make these gluten-free? easy! just swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. sorted! need a lighter version? try using greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

But honestly, the mayo gives it that authentic flavour. decisions, decisions!

Seasonal Swapsies

This Maryland crab cake recipe is great year-round. But, if you're feeling fancy, add some seasonal veggies. Some finely diced bell peppers in the summer? Or maybe some roasted butternut squash in the autumn? Get creative!

Nutrition Nuggets

The Skinny

These maryland crab cakes aren't exactly health food. but, they're not the worst thing either. they're a good source of protein.

And, crab meat is packed with vitamins and minerals. i'd be lying if i said they were the healthiest choice.

Goodness Inside

Crab is a good source of selenium. selenium is an antioxidant that can protect your body from damage. so, there's that! plus, they're just plain delicious.

And sometimes, that's all that matters, right?

So there you have it. all the recipe notes you could ever need for your maryland crab cake recipe . remember, maryland crab cakes are all about having fun.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own. now go on. get cracking!

Delicious Crab Cake Recipes: The Ultimate Maryland Classic

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a truly authentic Maryland crab cake recipe?

The secret's out, mate! The most important thing is using high-quality jumbo lump crab meat and avoiding too much filler. A true Maryland crab cake lets the sweet flavor of the crab shine through. We're talking about minimal binders and maximum crab taste – think more "crab" and less "cake." This recipe follows that philosophy closely, using just enough mayonnaise and breadcrumbs to hold everything together.

My crab cakes keep falling apart! What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded crab cake crumble! This usually happens because of too much handling or not enough chilling. Make sure you're gently mixing the ingredients and not overworking the crab meat. Also, chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming the cakes helps them firm up. You can add a tiny amount of extra breadcrumbs to help with binding, but beware, that will change the flavour profile, so do so sparingly! Don't be too vigorous when forming the crab cakes, gentle is the word!

Can I freeze my Maryland crab cakes, and if so, how?

Absolutely, freezing is a cracking idea! Form the crab cakes, but don't cook them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to cook them, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then cook as directed, they may take a little longer, but be careful that they are cooked right through.

What's the best way to cook my crab cakes: pan-fry, bake, or air fry?

Each method has its merits! Pan-frying in butter and oil gives you that classic golden-brown crust and rich flavour. Baking is a healthier option, but you won't get the same crispy exterior. Air frying is a good middle ground, offering a crispy crust with less fat. For this Maryland crab cake recipe, we recommend pan-frying for optimal flavour and texture, just be careful that they are cooked right through.

Is this maryland crab cake recipe healthy?

While crab cakes are delicious, they aren't exactly a health food! They contain a fair amount of fat from the mayonnaise and butter. However, they're also a good source of protein from the crab meat. You can make them healthier by using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a binder, baking instead of frying, and serving them with a healthy side like a big salad. Everything in moderation, as they say!

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

While jumbo lump is the gold standard for Maryland crab cakes due to its sweet flavour and large chunks, you can definitely use other types of crab meat if needed. Backfin crab meat is a good, more affordable alternative. Claw meat has a stronger flavour and a slightly different texture, but can also be used, especially if you're on a budget. Just remember that using different types of crab will affect the overall taste and texture of your crab cakes, so it's all about personal preference!