Maryland’s Treasured Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe for Seafood Fans

Seafood enthusiasts crave these mouthwatering baltimore crab cakes that burst with authentic Maryland flavor.

Chunks of fresh, succulent crab meat create a delectable foundation for this classic dish.

Simple ingredients blend harmoniously to produce crispy, golden-brown patties packed with rich coastal taste.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of delicate seafood and subtle seasonings.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this beloved regional specialty in their own kitchen.

The recipe promises a delightful culinary journey through coastal cuisine that will impress even the most discerning seafood lovers.

Prepare to savor every delicious morsel of these irresistible crab cakes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes (+30 minutes chilling)

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 58 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 3

All The Ingredients For Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe

• Egg: Binds ingredients together, choose fresh farm eggs for best richness.
• Mayonnaise: Creates creamy texture, select high-quality egg-based version.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy kick, look for smooth and zesty varieties.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances savory depth, pick authentic brands.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Provides classic Maryland seafood flavor, essential for authentic taste.
• Parsley: Brings fresh herbal notes, select bright green crisp leaves.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces bright citrus undertone, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zest.

• Crab Meat: Star ingredient, choose fresh lump or backfin for best texture and sweetness.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind and adds subtle crunch, select fine, plain breadcrumbs.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables golden crispy exterior, use neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides fresh citrus garnish, select bright, firm lemons.
• Tartar Sauce: Classic accompaniment, choose tangy, well-balanced version.

What Tools You’ll Need For Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients smoothly and gently folding crab meat.
• Whisk: Essential for blending egg, mayonnaise, and seasonings into a creamy mixture.
• Skillet: Ideal for cooking crab cakes to golden brown perfection.
• Plate or baking sheet: Used for shaping and chilling crab cakes before cooking.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil after frying.
• Spatula: Helps carefully flip crab cakes without breaking them apart.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Easy Instructions For Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe

• Crab Mixture Preparation

Whisk together egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Carefully fold in fresh crab meat and breadcrumbs, maintaining delicate texture without breaking the meat. The mixture should be cohesive but not soggy.

• Patty Formation

Create uniform crab cake portions by gently shaping the mixture into thick, round patties. Place the uncooked cakes on a clean plate and refrigerate for half an hour to help them set and prevent crumbling during cooking.

• Skillet Cooking

Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Carefully slide the chilled crab cakes into the pan, cooking each side until a beautiful golden brown develops. Handle with care to keep the delicate cakes intact.

• Serving

Transfer the perfectly crisp crab cakes onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Plate immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a side of tangy tartar sauce. Enjoy while warm and crispy.

Tips To Make Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe Even Better

• Delicate Handling Technique: Use a light touch when mixing and forming crab cakes to keep large, tender chunks of crab meat intact. Overmixing will make the texture tough and break down the delicate seafood.
• Chilling for Success: Always refrigerate crab cakes for 30 minutes before cooking. This crucial step helps them hold their shape, prevents crumbling, and ensures a crispy exterior with a perfectly moist interior.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Almond flour also works wonderfully as a binding alternative for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assembled crab cakes can be covered and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper layers for up to one month. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: While pan-frying creates a classic golden crust, baking offers a lighter option. Arrange crab cakes on a greased baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Best Ways To Serve Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe

• Coastal Companion Plating: Arrange crab cakes on a crisp white plate with fresh lemon wedges, creating a vibrant seafood presentation that screams summer dining.
• Sauce Symphony: Serve alongside homemade tartar sauce, classic cocktail sauce, or zesty remoulade to enhance the delicate crab flavor with complementary condiments.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a light mixed green salad topped with citrus vinaigrette or a crisp coleslaw to balance the rich, golden-brown crab cakes and add refreshing texture.
• Beach-Inspired Spread: Create a relaxed coastal meal by including buttery corn on the cob, roasted seasonal vegetables, or garlic-herb potato wedges as delightful accompaniments.

How To Store Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe Safely

• Quick Chill Technique: Refrigerate crab cakes for 30 minutes before cooking to help them maintain shape and prevent crumbling during pan-frying.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Uncooked crab cake patties can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed crab cakes in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy exterior and prevent rubbery texture.

Crispy Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 58 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Maryland’s beloved baltimore crab cakes showcase pristine blue crab meat blended with classic seasoning. Crisp exteriors and delicate interiors promise a coastal culinary experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 grams) lump crab meat (fresh or pasteurized, picked over for shells)
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or plain)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or more to taste)
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2–3 tbsps vegetable oil (or butter)
• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce

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Instructions

1. Mixing Base: Whisk egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and lemon juice in a large bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a creamy foundation for the crab cakes.
2. Combining Ingredients: Gently fold lump crab meat and breadcrumbs into the mixture, preserving the delicate meat’s texture and ensuring even distribution without breaking the crab pieces.
3. Forming Patties: Shape the mixture into compact, uniform cakes approximately one inch thick, maintaining a solid structure that will hold together during cooking.
4. Chilling Preparation: Refrigerate the formed cakes for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, which helps prevent potential disintegration and enhances flavor melding.
5. Cooking Process: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully placing the chilled crab cakes and cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove cakes with a supportive spatula, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce for a classic Baltimore-style presentation.

Notes

• Preserve Crab Texture: Handle lump crab meat gently to maintain its delicate, chunky consistency and prevent breaking during mixing and forming patties.
• Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate crab cakes for 30 minutes to help them hold together, reducing the risk of falling apart during pan-frying and ensuring a crisp exterior.
• Optimize Binding Technique: Use minimal breadcrumbs and focus on quality binders like egg and mayonnaise to create cohesive cakes without losing the rich crab flavor.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat while pan-frying to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+30 minutes chilling)
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg