Easy & Delicious Crab Cake Recipe

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I’m thrilled to share a beloved recipe from my café days—our irresistible crab cake sandwiches. Now reimagined as golden, flavorful crab cakes, this dish will indeed become a cherished favorite in your home, just as it was in ours.

For years, our Crab Cake Sandwiches were a Friday sensation, cherished for their layers of fresh, flavorful crab and hearty bread. They weren’t just meals—they were must-have indulgences that sold out before noon. Today, I’m excited to share a new spin on that favorite: an Easy Crab Cake Recipe that transforms the same legendary flavors into golden, perfectly seasoned crab cakes. Simple to make and packed with the same irresistible taste, this recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality classic at home.

Ingredients Easy Crab Cakes Recipe

  • Fresh Crab Meat: Start with the best quality crab meat. It’s the heart of your crab cakes, so freshness matters.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, mayonnaise adds moisture and a subtle tang to the mix.
  • Dijon Mustard: This classic condiment brings a touch of sharpness and depth to the flavor profile.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A few dashes of this savory sauce add a wonderful umami note to the crab cakes.
  • Eggs: They act as binders, holding everything together, so your crab cakes stay intact during cooking.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: A signature spice blend for seafood, it imparts a delightful blend of herbs and spices.
  • Breadcrumbs (or Panko): These provide structure and help absorb excess moisture, keeping your crab cakes from falling apart.
  • Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon brightens up the dish with its zesty, citrusy goodness.
  • Italian Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds freshness and a hint of earthy flavor.
  • Jalapeño (optional): If you like a bit of heat, add some finely chopped jalapeño for a gentle kick.
  • Shallot: For a sweet and mild onion flavor, finely mince some shallot.
  • Roasted Garlic: Instead of raw garlic, I recommend roasted garlic for its sweeter, milder flavor.

These ingredients, combined with the proper techniques, will have you savoring the most delicious crab cakes you’ve ever tasted. Let’s get cooking!

Tips for Perfect Crab Cakes

1. Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate the crab cake mixture for about an hour before cooking. This essential step allows the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture, ensuring the cakes hold their shape and cook evenly. A little patience here goes a long way!

2. Add Roasted Garlic for Depth
For an extra layer of flavor, try using roasted garlic. Its subtle sweetness and richness elevate your crab cakes to gourmet status. If you’re short on time, minced garlic is a great alternative that still adds a punch of flavor.

3. Pair with the Perfect Sauce
The proper sauce can transform your crab cakes from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you love tartar, cocktail, remoulade, or smoky chipotle sauce, there’s an option to suit every palate. My personal favorite is homemade tartar sauce, featuring a creamy mayo and tangy Dijon mustard base—it’s the ultimate companion for this recipe.

These tips ensure your crab cakes turn out perfectly every time, making your meal an exceptional dining experience. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Easy Crab Cake Recipe FAQs

1. How Can I Prevent My Crab Cakes from Falling Apart?
If your crab cakes tend to crumble, try these simple solutions:

  • Chill Longer: Refrigerate the mixture for an extended period to help the ingredients bind together.
  • Adjust Ingredients: Add an extra egg or a little more breadcrumbs for better cohesion.
  • Moderate Heat: Cook at a moderate temperature to prevent drying out or overcooking.
  • Handle Gently: Form the cakes carefully; pressing too firmly can make them lose moisture and structure.

These tips will ensure perfectly shaped crab cakes every time.

2. Can This Crab Cake Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free?
Yes, absolutely! To make gluten-free crab cakes:

  • Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
  • Check labels to ensure other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise, are gluten-free.

Enjoy the same delicious flavor without compromising dietary needs!

Serving Suggestions

Crab cakes are versatile! Enjoy them as snacks, appetizers, or the main dish. For a unique twist, try them sandwiched in a baguette, paired with appetizers like spanakopita or hummus, or served over fresh lettuce for a light meal. Want something hearty? Accompany them with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a vibrant arugula and fennel salad. For a classic pairing, serve with shrimp boil and corn on the cob. No matter how you serve them, these easy crab cakes will surely delight you!

How to Make Easy & Delicious Crab Cake Recipe

Preparation

1.
Mix the Ingredients Gently:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the crab cake ingredients. Take care to gently fold them together, preserving the large chunks of crab meat for that perfect texture.
Mark as complete
2.
Shape and Chill:
Divide the mixture into portions, shaping it into nine cakes (about 2.5 oz each) or six larger ones, depending on your preference. Arrange the cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Refrigerate for about an hour to allow the ingredients to set and hold their shape during cooking.
Mark as complete
3.
Cook to Perfection:
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the crab cakes into the skillet. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Mark as complete
4.
Prepare the Tartar Sauce
While the crab cakes are chilling, whisk together all the tartar sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the crab cakes are golden and warm, plate them alongside the chilled tartar sauce. Serve immediately and savor the irresistible combination of flavors!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
1 lb fresh jumbo lump crab meat
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcester sauce ( Worcestershire)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs or panko
1 Zest and juice of lemon
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1 small jalapeno, finely chopped
1 small shallot, finely diced
5 roasted garlic cloves minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Tartar sauce (whisk all the ingredients in one bowl and keep in the fridge until ready to use)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 lemon zest and half of lemon juice
½ teaspoon old bay seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
½ shallots (diced, finely)
¼ teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic (roasted and mashed)

Preparation

1
Mix the Ingredients Gently: In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the crab cake ingredients. Take care to gently fold them together, preserving the large chunks of crab meat for that perfect texture.
2
Shape and Chill: Divide the mixture into portions, shaping it into nine cakes (about 2.5 oz each) or six larger ones, depending on your preference. Arrange the cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Refrigerate for about an hour to allow the ingredients to set and hold their shape during cooking.
3
Cook to Perfection: Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the crab cakes into the skillet. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
4
Prepare the Tartar Sauce While the crab cakes are chilling, whisk together all the tartar sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve and Enjoy Once the crab cakes are golden and warm, plate them alongside the chilled tartar sauce. Serve immediately and savor the irresistible combination of flavors!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

How do I store and reheat leftover crab cakes?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F until hot, about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the crab cakes moist and maintains their crispy exterior.

Can I freeze the crab cakes?

Absolutely! Place uncooked crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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    I would love to hear your experience!

    Enjoyed this recipe? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your experience with our homemade crab cakes.

    2 Comments

    • Shirley G Varner

      Looks great. I’m going to try some for Christmas.

      • Rana Madanat

        Fantastic Shirley! 😄 Christmas is the perfect time for these delicious recipes. Wishing you a wonderful cooking experience and a joyful holiday filled with tasty delights! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need tips along the way. Happy cooking! 🎄

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