Maryland Crab Cakes
Authentic Maryland crab cakes featuring generous amounts of jumbo lump crab meat with just enough binder to hold them together, pan-fried to a beautiful golden brown. A true taste of the Chesapeake Bay.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Jumbo lump crab meat(Carefully picked over for any stray shell fragments)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise(Full-fat recommended for best flavor and binding)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning(The signature spice blend for Maryland crab cakes)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard(Adds a subtle tang and depth)
- 1 Large egg(Lightly beaten)
- 4 Saltine crackers(Crushed into fine crumbs (about 1/2 cup))
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter(For pan-frying)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil or other high-heat oil(To prevent butter from burning)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the crab: Gently spread the jumbo lump crab meat onto a clean plate or baking sheet. Carefully examine the crab meat with your fingers, picking out any small pieces of shell or cartilage. Be gentle to keep the lumps intact.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Make the binder: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, and the lightly beaten egg until well combined and smooth. This mixture will form the base of your crab cake binder.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Combine ingredients: Add the crushed Saltine crackers to the binder mixture and stir to incorporate. Then, gently fold this binder mixture into the prepared crab meat. Use a rubber spatula and a light touch to avoid breaking up the delicate crab lumps. You want the crab to be evenly coated but still retain its texture.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Form and chill the crab cakes: Divide the crab mixture into 6 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4-inch thick. Avoid overworking the mixture. Place the formed crab cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow them to firm up. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cakes from falling apart during cooking.
⏱️ 5 minutes prep + 30 minutes chilling - 5
Cook the crab cakes: Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering. Carefully place the chilled crab cakes into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary).
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Sear and flip: Cook the crab cakes for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are deeply golden brown and heated through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). Resist the urge to move them too much while they are searing to allow for a nice crust to form.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 7
Serve: Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments, such as lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a fresh salad.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to excellent crab cakes is using high-quality jumbo lump crab meat and handling it gently to preserve the texture of the lumps.
- ✓Don't overmix the crab mixture; overworking it can break down the crab meat and lead to a mushy texture.
- ✓Chilling the crab cakes before cooking is essential for them to hold their shape.
- ✓Ensure your pan is hot before adding the crab cakes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- ✓Old Bay seasoning is traditional and provides the signature flavor, but feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Broiled: Place crab cakes on a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Baked: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Deep-fried: Coat crab cakes in a light batter or breadcrumbs and deep-fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.