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Irresistible Maryland-Style Crab Cakes

Irresistible Maryland-Style Crab Cakes Recipe to Try Now Recipe

4.9 from 11 reviews

Experience the classic taste of Maryland with this irresistible Maryland-Style Crab Cakes recipe. These golden, crispy crab cakes are packed with lump crab meat, seasoned with Old Bay, and balanced with creamy mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Perfectly pan-fried to crispy perfection, they make an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Crab Cakes

  • 1 lb lump crab meat
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1 large egg
  • 23 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, and the egg until evenly mixed, taking care not to break up the crab too much.
  2. Shape Crab Cakes: Form the mixture into cakes approximately 3 inches wide, handling them delicately to maintain structure and prevent falling apart.
  3. Chill Patties: Place the shaped crab cakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps firm them up, making frying easier and preventing them from breaking apart.
  4. Cook Crab Cakes: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the crab cakes and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy crust.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove cooked crab cakes from the skillet and transfer them onto paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a perfect Maryland-Style treat.

Notes

  • Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
  • If preferred, seasoned breadcrumbs can add extra flavor, but plain can be used.
  • Do not overmix the crab to keep the cakes tender and flaky.
  • Adjust Old Bay seasoning amount according to your taste preference.
  • Can be baked at 375°F for 12-15 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
  • Refrigerate crab cakes before cooking to help them hold together during frying.
  • Serve with tartar sauce, aioli, or cocktail sauce for added flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Maryland crab cakes, crab cakes recipe, seafood appetizer, fried crab cakes, Old Bay crab cakes