Herb-Infused Crab Cakes

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you’re in the mood for something that’s both elegant and comfortingly familiar, these Herb-Infused Crab Cakes are just the ticket. Infused with fresh herbs and a hint of spice, they offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Crab Cakes

Crab meat is the star of the show, providing sweetness and a delicate texture. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality crab meat to really let the flavors shine. Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, acting as a binder to hold the cakes together. Breadcrumbs give the cakes structure and a satisfying bite. A large egg is essential to bind everything, ensuring the cakes don’t fall apart during cooking.

Fresh herbs like parsley and dill bring a burst of freshness and complexity, while Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang. Lemon juice brightens up the flavors, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning provides that classic coastal flair. For a touch of heat, cayenne pepper is added, balanced with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, olive oil is used for frying the cakes to a perfect golden brown.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best flavor, use fresh crab meat rather than canned or imitation.
  • Refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes before cooking; this helps them hold their shape.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.

Serving Suggestions

These crab cakes are delightful on their own, but they truly shine with a simple side salad of arugula and cherry tomatoes. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto. A zesty aioli or tartar sauce on the side makes a perfect accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these crab cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the cakes a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the crab cakes on a greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Herb-Infused Crab Cakes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients so everything is within reach. In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix with care, as you don’t want to break down the crab meat too much — just enough to blend the ingredients.

Once mixed, divide the mixture into 8 portions and gently form each into a patty. Try to make them of equal size so they cook evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, carefully place the crab cakes into the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they are golden brown. Flip them gently and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.

Once cooked, transfer the crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve them warm with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce on the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh herbs elevate the flavor and add a unique twist.
  • A perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
  • Quick and easy to prepare — great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
  • Uses fresh crab meat for a luxurious, authentic taste.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh crab meat
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, dill, mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Form mixture into 8 equal-sized patties.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook crab cakes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your choice of sauce.

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