Traditional Maryland Crab Cakes

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're craving a taste of the Chesapeake Bay, these Traditional Maryland Crab Cakes are just what you need. Packed with sweet, tender blue crab meat and seasoned to perfection, these crab cakes bring the authentic flavors of Maryland right to your kitchen.

Ingredients for Traditional Maryland Crab Cakes

The star of the dish is the fresh Maryland blue crab meat. Its sweet, delicate flavor is the foundation of our crab cakes. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together while adding a subtle crunch. Mayonnaise provides moisture and a creamy texture, while a large egg works as a binder to hold everything together. Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth, and Worcestershire sauce gives a slight umami kick. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors, and Old Bay seasoning imparts that classic, zesty Maryland spice. Finely chopped parsley and green onions add freshness and a touch of color. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors, and unsalted butter helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the patties in the fridge to help them firm up and stay together during cooking.
  • Use a gentle hand when mixing ingredients to keep the crab meat from falling apart.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your preference, but remember that less is often more to let the crab flavor shine.

Serving Suggestions

These crab cakes are delightful on their own, but for an extra touch, serve them with a side of tangy tartar sauce or a spicy remoulade. A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, or go classic with some coleslaw and thinly sliced pickles. For a heartier meal, place them on a soft roll with lettuce and tomato for a crab cake sandwich that’s sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab meat?
While fresh crab meat is preferred for the best flavor, you can use high-quality canned crab meat in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well.
How do I store leftover crab cakes?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain their crispiness.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.

Traditional Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gently mixing all your ingredients in a large bowl. Be sure not to overwork the crab meat; you want those chunks intact for the best texture. Once everything's combined, shape the mixture into eight even patties. The key here is to form them well enough to hold together without squishing them too tight. After shaping, it's time for a quick chill in the fridge—about 30 minutes should do the trick. This little pause helps the crab cakes maintain their shape when cooking.

When you're ready to cook, heat some butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, carefully place the crab cakes in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they're beautifully golden brown and heated through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn—golden perfection is what we're after!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic taste of Maryland's famous seafood.
  • Easy to make with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Perfectly seasoned with the iconic Old Bay seasoning.
  • Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh Maryland blue crab meat
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, gently mix together crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, green onions, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into 8 patties, being careful not to over-pack them.
3. Chill the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the crab cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

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