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Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe

Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe

This Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe delivers authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor with fresh lump crab meat, a balanced blend of seasonings, and a perfectly crispy exterior with tender, flaky centers. Ideal for appetizers, main courses, or sandwiches, these crab cakes are simple to prepare and sure to impress guests with their classic taste and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Crab Cake Mixture

  • 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crab Mixture: Gently pick through your fresh lump crab meat to remove any shells, then combine it in a bowl with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, eggs, finely chopped parsley, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix everything carefully to avoid breaking up the delicate crab chunks.
  2. Shape the Crab Cakes: Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized patties, about three inches in diameter and one inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly and develop that perfect crisp outside.
  3. Chill to Set: Place the formed crab cakes onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
  4. Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat a combination of butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the crab cakes for about 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a rich golden brown crust. Be gentle when flipping to keep them intact.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once cooked, transfer the crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite garnishes and sides for that classic Baltimore experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh crab meat for the sweetest and most delicate flavor.
  • Handle the crab mixture gently to preserve lumps of crab, maintaining authentic texture.
  • Refrigerate the formed crab cakes before cooking to keep them firm and easier to handle.
  • Cook over medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the exterior.
  • Use just enough panko to bind the mixture without overpowering the crab’s natural flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baltimore crab cakes, seafood recipe, Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, crab appetizer, crab cake slider, gluten-free crab cakes