Crispy Lemon Herb Crab Cakes

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Crispy Lemon Herb Crab Cakes are a delightful blend of fresh crab meat and zesty lemon, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply want to enjoy a taste of the ocean at home, these crab cakes are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Crispy Lemon Herb Crab Cakes

Fresh crab meat is the star of the show, providing a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender texture. Breadcrumbs help bind the crab cakes together, ensuring they hold their shape while frying. Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, while Dijon mustard introduces a subtle tang. Eggs act as another binder, keeping everything together. Fresh parsley and chives bring a fresh, herbal note, complementing the crab perfectly. Lemon zest and lemon juice provide a bright, zesty kick that enhances the seafood flavor. Old Bay seasoning is traditional and adds a savory, slightly spicy depth. Finally, garlic powder, salt, and pepper round out the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh crab meat if possible. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
  • Be gentle when mixing to keep the crab meat chunky.
  • Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping if you have time; it helps them hold their shape better.
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These crab cakes are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving with a homemade aioli or a simple tartar sauce. A crisp, green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast. If you’re serving these as part of a larger meal, consider accompanying them with roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, but fresh crab meat is recommended for the best flavor and texture. If using canned, ensure it’s well-drained.
Can these be baked instead of fried?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Crispy Lemon Herb Crab Cakes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and add your crab meat. Be gentle as you handle it, so you keep those lovely chunks intact. Toss in the breadcrumbs, followed by mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Crack in the eggs and give it all a good, but gentle, mix. You’re aiming for a nice, even distribution without turning the crab into mush.

Next, fold in the parsley, chives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. These fresh ingredients will brighten up the mix. Sprinkle in the Old Bay seasoning and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue mixing until everything’s just combined.

Now, shape the mixture into eight equal-sized patties. Take your time here; a little patience ensures they cook evenly. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s time to fry. Carefully place a few crab cakes in the skillet, leaving space between each. Cook them for about four to five minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. You might need to do this in batches.

Once they’re done, transfer the crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any excess oil and keeps them nice and crispy. And there you have it, a batch of delicious, crispy crab cakes ready to be devoured.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy appetizer.
  • Full of fresh, vibrant flavors from lemon zest and herbs.
  • Uses simple ingredients, yet offers a gourmet taste.
  • Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
  • Perfect for seafood lovers looking to indulge in something special.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh crab meat
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 large eggs
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 tbsp minced chives
2 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, eggs, parsley, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
3. Shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the crab cakes in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.

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