Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe
Looking for the best Maryland Crab Cakes recipe? These authentic Maryland-style crab cakes are made with sweet jumbo lump crab meat, just enough binder to hold them together, and a blend of herbs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Pan-seared until beautifully golden and crispy, they’re tender, flavorful, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Maryland-style recipe
Packed with sweet lump crab meat
Minimal filler for maximum crab flavor
Crispy outside, tender inside
Ready in under 40 minutes
Perfect for appetizers or main courses
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 (2 crab cakes per serving)
Calories: Approximately 360 kcal per serving
Protein: 28 g per serving
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crab Cakes
1 lb (450 g) jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon Remoulade Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon capers, finely chopped
1 teaspoon pickle relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley
Coleslaw
Roasted potatoes
Mixed green salad
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Egg
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Old Bay seasoning
Lemon juice
Garlic powder
Parsley
Chives
Gently fold in the crab meat and panko breadcrumbs, taking care not to break up the crab too much.
Step 2: Form the Crab Cakes
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape into thick patties.
Place them on a baking tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 3: Cook the Crab Cakes
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the crab cakes for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Remoulade
Whisk together:
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Lemon juice
Capers
Pickle relish
Hot sauce (optional)
Parsley
Salt
Black pepper
Refrigerate until serving.
Step 5: Serve
Arrange the crab cakes on serving plates.
Serve with:
Lemon wedges
Lemon remoulade
Coleslaw
Roasted potatoes or a fresh salad
Garnish with chopped parsley.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These crab cakes pair beautifully with:
Coleslaw
Roasted potatoes
French fries
Corn on the cob
Grilled asparagus
Steamed green beans
Fresh garden salad
💡 Chef’s Tips
Use jumbo lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
Chill the crab cakes before cooking to prevent them from falling apart.
Flip the crab cakes carefully using a wide spatula.
Don’t overmix—the larger the crab pieces remain, the better the finished crab cakes.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked crab cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked crab cakes for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until heated through.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 720 mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Maryland crab cakes different?
Authentic Maryland crab cakes use jumbo lump crab meat with very little filler, allowing the sweet flavor of the crab to shine. Old Bay seasoning is the signature spice blend that gives them their classic Chesapeake Bay flavor.
Can I bake the crab cakes instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Can I prepare crab cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely. Form the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What side dishes go well with Maryland Crab Cakes?
Coleslaw, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, grilled asparagus, green beans, macaroni salad, or a crisp garden salad are all delicious accompaniments.
