Crispy Golden Crab Cakes: A Simple and Delicious Seafood Recipe
Best Ever Crab Cakes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AR-82347-best-ever-crab-cake-ddmfs-4x3-49e5c323ae1d4d758648bc654d24aa58.jpg)
Crab cakes are the ultimate indulgence when you’re craving a tender, flavorful bite of seafood in a crispy golden shell. These easy-to-make patties bring together succulent lump crabmeat, zesty lemon juice, and a crunchy cracker coating for a dinner recipe that always steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Crab Cakes
- 8 oz lump crabmeat (picked over for shells)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil, for frying
How to Make Crab Cakes: Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, gently combine the lump crabmeat, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, crushed crackers, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into four patties, about ¾ inch thick. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes—this helps them hold together.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Carefully add the crab cakes and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crab Cakes
- Keep it cool: Chilling the shaped patties firms them up and prevents falling apart in the pan.
- Light touch: Gently fold ingredients so you don’t break up the lumps of crabmeat.
- Pan finesse: Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for an even, golden crust.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Pair your crab cakes with a tangy remoulade, a fresh avocado salsa, or a classic lemon aioli. Serve atop mixed greens for a light lunch, or tuck into soft brioche buns for a gourmet sandwich.
Enjoy your homemade crab cakes as a memorable dinner that’s both comforting and elegant.
Best Ever Crab Cakes
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, gently combine the lump crabmeat, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, crushed crackers, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into four patties, about ¾ inch thick. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes—this helps them hold together.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Carefully add the crab cakes and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil, then serve immediately.
