The Authentic Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Crafting delectable maryland crab cakes brings pure coastal magic right to your kitchen.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this classic dish bursting with authentic flavors.

Baltimore’s culinary tradition shines through every carefully mixed ingredient.

Delicate crab meat mingles with subtle seasonings that highlight its natural sweetness.

Fresh herbs and a hint of mustard create a perfect balance of taste.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike cherish this simple yet elegant recipe.

You can master these golden, crispy delights with just a few smart techniques.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with these irresistible maryland crab cakes.

How To Store Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe Properly

• Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Place cooled crab cakes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place crab cakes on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a touch of butter or oil.

Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe Questions Answered

• Why use lump crab meat for this recipe?

Lump crab meat provides large, tender chunks that maintain their delicate texture and give a premium quality to the crab cakes, ensuring each bite has substantial and flavorful seafood pieces.

• How important is Old Bay seasoning in the recipe?

Old Bay is crucial as it adds a signature Maryland-style seafood flavor with its blend of herbs and spices, giving the crab cakes their authentic and distinctive taste profile.

• Can I use different types of crackers for the crumbs?

Saltine crackers work best because they provide a light, crispy texture and subtle saltiness that complements the crab meat without overpowering its delicate flavor.

Why Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe Is A Classic

• Craft with Ease: Minimal cooking skills required, making this Maryland Crab Cakes recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Prep in a Snap: Quickly combine ingredients and let the mixture chill while you tackle other tasks, creating a stress-free cooking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Guaranteed to impress guests at dinner parties, family gatherings, or special weekend meals with its restaurant-quality taste.
• Versatile Delight: Serve as an elegant appetizer, main course, or paired with multiple side dishes, adapting to any dining occasion with incredible flavor.

Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

• Crab Meat: Fresh seafood that serves as the star ingredient of these Maryland-style crab cakes.

• Egg: Helps hold the crab cakes together and provides structure.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
• Cracker Crumbs: Provides texture and helps absorb moisture in the mixture.

• Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Old Bay Seasoning: Creates a classic Maryland-style flavor profile with tangy and spicy notes.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh herbal touch to the crab cake mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and helps balance the richness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the crab cakes.

• Butter: Adds extra richness and helps create a golden brown exterior when brushed on top.

How To Cook Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe The Easy Way

Step 1: Whisk Flavor Base

• Egg
• Mayonnaise
• Chopped parsley
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Old Bay seasoning
• Lemon juice
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended mixture.

Step 2: Fold Crab Meat Gently

Delicately place the crab meat on top of the prepared mixture. Sprinkle cracker crumbs over the crab meat. Using a silicone spatula or large spoon, softly fold the ingredients together. Take care not to break up the delicate lump crab meat during this process.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Cover the bowl completely and refrigerate the crab cake mixture. Let it rest for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This chilling time helps the cakes maintain their shape during cooking and allows flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 450°F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by generously greasing it with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Alternatively, line the sheet with a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 5: Form Crab Cake Mounds

Use a ½-cup measuring cup to portion the mixture into 6 distinct mounds on the prepared baking sheet. Do not flatten the mounds. Use your hands or a spoon to gently compact each mound, ensuring they hold together. For an extra layer of flavor, brush the tops with melted butter.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for the tops and edges to turn a light golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the crab cakes from the oven. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice just before serving. Plate warm and accompany with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or your preferred side dishes.

Smart Tips For Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe

• Preserve Delicate Meat: Handle crab meat gently to maintain large, tender lumps without breaking them during mixing.
• Chill for Cohesion: Refrigerate mixture before baking to help crab cakes hold their shape and prevent crumbling.
• Butter Boost: Brush tops with melted butter for extra golden-brown color and rich flavor enhancement.
• Serve Fresh and Hot: Enjoy crab cakes immediately after baking to experience maximum crispiness and ideal texture.
• Sauce Selection: Pair with tangy tartar sauce or zesty cocktail sauce to complement the delicate crab meat flavor.

Tasty Twists On Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe

• Gluten-Free Crab Cakes: Replace cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumhs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Air Fryer Crab Cakes: Cook crab cakes in air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through for crispy exterior.
• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Swap cracker crumbs with crushed pork rinds or finely chopped almonds to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Style Crab Cakes: Add chopped fresh dill, mint, and crumbled feta cheese to the mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Best Sides For Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe

• Elevate Seafood Harmony: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc Pairing
• Uncork a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes that perfectly complement the delicate crab meat's richness and cut through the buttery texture.
• Zesty Accompaniment: Tangy Remoulade Sauce
• Create a homemade remoulade with chopped pickles, capers, and fresh herbs to add a vibrant, creamy counterpoint that enhances the crab cake's delicate flavors.
• Fresh Side Salad: Citrus Arugula Blend
• Toss a light arugula salad with segments of orange, lemon zest, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing, peppery contrast that balances the rich crab cakes.

Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 47-49 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Maryland crab cakes blend sweet, delicate crabmeat with zesty seasonings and crisp breadcrumbs. Coastal charm meets culinary excellence in this classic seafood dish that will transport you straight to the Chesapeake Bay’s shoreline.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh lump crab meat

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Herbs and Crumbs:

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2/3 cup (41 grams) saltine cracker crumbs

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty binding mixture by whisking egg, mayonnaise, parsley, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
2. Delicately layer the crab meat atop the mixture, then sprinkle cracker crumbs across the surface. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold ingredients together, preserving the crab meat’s delicate texture and avoiding excessive breaking.
3. Seal the mixture in the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 day, allowing flavors to meld and helping the cakes maintain structural integrity during cooking.
4. Heat oven to 450°F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by generously coating with butter or nonstick spray, or line with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
5. Portion the chilled mixture into 6 distinct mounds using a ½-cup measuring cup. Resist flattening the cakes. Carefully compact each mound to ensure cohesion, optionally brushing tops with melted butter for enhanced flavor and golden appearance.
6. Roast for 12-14 minutes until edges and surfaces develop a light golden-brown coloration, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Finish by drizzling fresh lemon juice over the crab cakes. Serve immediately with complementary sauces like tartar or cocktail sauce, accompanied by your preferred side dishes.

Notes

• Handle crab meat delicately to preserve its tender texture and prevent breaking during mixing, which ensures large, beautiful chunks in each bite.
• Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and most authentic Maryland-style experience, avoiding canned or imitation crab products.
• Chilling the mixture before baking helps bind ingredients and prevents the cakes from falling apart during cooking, creating a perfect golden exterior.
• Adjust baking time based on crab cake size and oven variation, watching carefully to prevent overcooking and drying out the delicate seafood.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg