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Original Old Bay Crab Cakes Recipe

Original Old Bay Crab Cakes Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chesapeake Bay’s legendary Original Old Bay Crab Cakes deliver pure Maryland coastal charm on a plate. Crisp golden exteriors and delicate, succulent crab meat promise a perfect seafood experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

protein:

  • 1 lb lump crab meat
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

binders and seasonings:

  • 1 tbsp old bay seasoning
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

cooking and serving:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Gently inspect the lump crab meat for any shell fragments, carefully removing them while preserving the delicate meat’s integrity.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Incorporate the chopped parsley and breadcrumbs into the wet mixture, stirring with a light touch to create a cohesive binding base.
  4. Fold the crab meat into the seasoned mixture, being careful to maintain large, distinct chunks of crab and avoiding excessive breaking or mashing.
  5. Shape the mixture into uniform patties, approximately 3 inches in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick, using gentle pressing to ensure they hold together.
  6. Refrigerate the formed crab cakes for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up and prevent potential crumbling during cooking.
  7. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding butter and olive oil to create a golden, flavorful cooking surface.
  8. Carefully place the chilled crab cakes into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  9. Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crisp texture.
  10. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges, allowing diners to squeeze bright citrus over the warm crab cakes for an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

  • Inspect crab meat meticulously, removing tiny shell fragments without damaging delicate meat texture.
  • Use minimal binding ingredients to preserve authentic crab flavor and prevent dense, heavy patties.
  • Chilling crab cakes before cooking helps them maintain structural integrity and prevents crumbling during pan-frying.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg