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Crispy Crab Cakes with Old Bay Seasoning

crispy crab cakes - featured image

A quick and easy homemade recipe for crispy crab cakes with a flavorful Old Bay seasoning blend, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained carefully)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko works for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for lighter option)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Carefully pick through the lump crab meat to remove any shells. Place gently in a large mixing bowl to keep chunks intact.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Pour the binder mixture over the crab meat. Add breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. Gently fold together without overmixing.
  4. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Shape each into a patty about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray for at least 20 minutes.
  5. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt and foam without browning.
  6. Place crab cakes in the hot pan, leaving space between them. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Flip gently once.
  7. Transfer cooked crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess butter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.

Notes

Handle crab meat gently to keep lumps intact. Chill formed cakes before cooking to help them hold shape. Use medium heat to avoid burning butter. Flip only once for best results. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: crab cakes, Old Bay seasoning, seafood recipe, crispy crab cakes, easy crab cakes, homemade crab cakes