There’s something undeniably special about a good crab cake. It carries the spirit of coastal dining in every bite, where the salty sea breeze and fresh seafood define the experience. Whether served as a starter, nestled in a sandwich, or plated elegantly as a main course, crab cakes have a way of bringing a touch of luxury to even the simplest meals.
Originating from regions like Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay, crab cakes have become a beloved dish across the United States. What makes them truly shine is the use of high-quality crab meat, typically lump or backfin, which offers that signature sweet, delicate flavor. They are a celebration of seafood at its best, highlighting the meat without overwhelming it with unnecessary fillers or spices.
A great crab cake balances texture and flavor. It should be crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with just enough seasoning to complement the crab. The simplicity of ingredients allows the seafood to remain the star. Often, the cakes are served with a remoulade, aioli, or lemon wedges for a burst of acidity and richness that enhances every bite.
Crab cakes are also incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up for a formal dinner or enjoyed casually at a beachside shack. They fit seamlessly into brunch menus, lunch specials, and elegant dinners alike. For many, they evoke memories of summer vacations, family gatherings by the water, or the first warm day of the year that calls for seafood and sunshine.
Beyond nostalgia, crab cakes continue to appeal because of their quality and taste. When made well, they are a treat worth savoring. Pair them with a glass of white wine or a crisp salad and you have a meal that feels both satisfying and refined.
In a world full of complicated trends, crab cakes remain a classic that never goes out of style. They remind us that sometimes the best dishes are the ones that keep it simple and let the ingredients speak for themselves.
Ingredients
- 8 oz crab meat fresh or canned
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise for binding
- 1 tsp mustard Dijon or yellow
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning for flavor
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley optional, for garnish
- 1 egg lightly beaten
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and egg. Mix gently to keep the crab meat intact.
- Shape the mixture into patties, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the crab cakes until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition
kinda bland, i added some hot sauce n it was a lot better.
I totally agree! A little kick makes everything better! Hot sauce is a game changer.
I don’t know why but mine burned! What did I do wrong? I followed the instructions!
Maybe the heat was too high? Try cooking them on lower heat next time!
Idk, I usually just fry stuff till it tastes good. But burning ain’t good, maybe less time on flipper?
Loved these crab cakes! Made them for my friends and they all wanted the recipe!
Yum! 😍 Definitely gonna serve this at my dinner party!
I thought it needed more Old Bay seasoning. Where I live they say crab cakes should taste stronger.
I don’t like crab so I didn’t try it. My husband says they taste good tho.
Too much mustard for my taste. Next time I’ll use less. But overall not bad!
I tried this recipe but it didn’t hold together at all. Is there a secret I’m missing? 🤔
These crab cakes were amazing! I used lump crab meat and they came out so fluffy! My family loved them!
Super easy and quick! Perfect for a quick dinner. Will be making again for sure!
Felt like a chef making these! Wish I had some cocktail sauce though.
Delicious!
Why do you need mustard in crab cakes? It should be all crab! Disappointed.
This recipe is good but I used canned crab instead of fresh and it was not as good. Fresh is way better!
I tried this recipe but the cakes fell apart. Maybe I mixed too hard? Not sure.
Just tried this, and it’s a keeper! Only thing I would change is maybe more lemon juice?
Easy to make but a bit bland. I added some hot sauce and it helped a lot!
Pretty easy to make. I added some spice to make it zesty. Yum!
Sounds delicious! I love zesty food. What spices did you add?
These crab cakes were just amazing! So tender and full of flavor! Will definitely make again!
Delicious! I made some homemade tartar sauce to go with them and it was a hit at our dinner party!
Yummy! I added some chili flakes for a kick. Will definitely make again!
That sounds great! Chili flakes are a smart addition. It really brings out the flavor, right? Glad to hear you enjoyed it! 👍
Chili flakes? I never thought of that. Aren’t crab cakes supposed to have a delicate flavor? I’d be worried I’d overpower it.
Great recipe, but requires a lot of patience while shaping the patties. Not for the short-tempered!
I followed the recipe but they fell apart while cooking 😠. Maybe more binding agents needed?
Quick and simple! My 5-year-old even helped. Super fun!
Crab cakes? I thought we were making crab salad… confused. lol
I dunno, they didn’t taste too great. Maybe I messed up? What’s Old Bay seasoning anyway?
These crab cakes are the best I’ve ever made! So tasty and easy to follow the recipe.
Why do people use crab meat? Can’t you use tuna instead? Seems weird but whatever.
Tuna is good, but crab meat has a unique flavor. They’re pretty different! 🦀
Crab cake? Meh. I prefer fish sticks.
Fish sticks are great, but you should give crab cakes a try! They’re super delicious!
Why do you use mustard in crab cakes? Is that a thing? Seems weird.
Mustard adds a nice tang! It helps balance the flavors and gives a little kick. Trust me, it’s worth a try!
This was okay. Kinda plain for my taste. Needs something more. Maybe garlic?
Plain? Not sure about that, it’s all about the seasoning! You could try adding chili flakes instead!
I totally agree! Adding garlic would make it so much better. I like a strong flavor in my crab cakes!
Awesome! My family loves it! Makes me feel like a chef in my own kitchen. 😄
I’m not sure, can you really make good crab cakes without frying them? Seems off to me. 🤔
This recipe is so easy! I made it last night, and my kids loved it too! Thanks for sharing! 😊
Crab meat?? I didn’t have that, so used fish sticks. Not the same I guess…
Made these for dinner last night, and they all got eaten. No leftovers!!
Wow, that sounds amazing! I love when there’s no leftovers, it means everyone enjoyed it!
Did you use fresh crab meat? I’ve heard that makes a big difference!
These crab cakes are delicious! I couldn’t stop eating them. Definitely a keeper!
I can’t believe you liked them so much! I tried making crab cakes once and they were a disaster. Maybe I need to follow your method!
Didn’t have fresh crab so I used canned, still turned out pretty good! Thanks for sharing!
Waste of crabs! My mom’s recipe is WAY better. Like, you can’t even compare.
So easy! Fritters took only 20mins! I’m making these again tomorrow! Yumm!