Baltimore Crab Cakes

Authentic, golden, and bursting with lump crabmeat, these Baltimore Crab Cakes are a true East Coast classic. With minimal fillers and bold seasoning, they let the sweet, delicate flavor of crab shine through. Pan-seared to crispy perfection, they make a perfect main course for seafood lovers and a standout dish for any special occasion or weeknight treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Flavor – Classic Maryland-style with minimal filler and bold seasoning.
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside – Pan-seared for the perfect golden crust.
Easy to Make – Just mix, shape, and cook.
Great for Entertaining – Impressive yet simple seafood dish.
Perfect for Any Meal – Serve as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating, optional)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter or neutral oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges and tartar sauce, for serving

Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Skillet
• Baking sheet (for chilling cakes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and parsley until smooth.

Step 2: Gently Fold in the Crab
Add the crab meat and panko breadcrumbs.
Use a spatula or your hands to gently mix, being careful not to break up the crab lumps too much.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This helps the mixture firm up and makes shaping easier.

Step 4: Form the Crab Cakes
Once chilled, shape the mixture into 6–8 patties (about ½-inch thick).
If desired, lightly coat each patty with a bit more panko for a crispier exterior.

Step 5: Cook the Crab Cakes
Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the crab cakes for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
Be gentle when flipping to keep them intact.

Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite seafood dipping sauce.

Tips for the Best Crab Cakes
Use Lump Crab Meat – For the best texture and flavor. Avoid imitation crab.
Chill Before Cooking – Helps them stay together during frying.
Don’t Overmix – Keep the crab pieces chunky for authentic texture.
Adjust Seasoning – Taste the base mixture (before adding the egg) to balance flavor.
Try Baking – For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.

Serving Suggestions
With a Side Salad – A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette is fresh and bright.
On a Bun – Make it a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of aioli.
Over Greens – Serve atop arugula or mixed greens for a low-carb option.
Alongside Roasted Veggies – Roasted asparagus or potatoes pair wonderfully.
As an Appetizer – Serve mini crab cakes with dipping sauces for parties.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerator: Keep leftover crab cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked crab cakes individually on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
Skillet: Reheat in a nonstick pan over low heat for a few minutes on each side.
Air Fryer: Crisp up leftovers at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake instead of fry them?
   Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
2. Can I use canned crab?
   You can, but fresh lump crab is highly recommended for best texture and flavor.
3. How do I keep them from falling apart?
   Chilling the mixture helps. Also, avoid flipping too soon—let a good crust form first.
4. Are these good for meal prep?
   Yes—cook in advance and reheat for a quick, high-protein meal.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
Baltimore Crab Cakes are a seafood classic that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Tender, juicy crab meat is the star of this dish, and with a golden, crispy crust, every bite is pure coastal comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or treating yourself to something a little fancy, this recipe is a keeper.

Try it out and let me know how yours turned out! Don’t forget to share your photos, leave a review, and tag us—especially if you’re enjoying them seaside!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American (Maryland)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 20g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 520mg

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