Jumbo lump crab cakes with Old Bay seasoning and minimal filler
Classic Maryland Crab Cakes
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3
6 crab cakes
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Premium
$$$
Classic Maryland Crab Cakes
Jumbo lump crab cakes with Old Bay seasoning and minimal filler
★4.7(24)
Traditional Maryland-style crab cakes packed with sweet jumbo lump crab meat, bound lightly with just enough breadcrumbs and seasoned with Old Bay.
20m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
3
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Premium $$$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
A great crab cake is all about the crab. These Maryland-style beauties are packed with sweet, tender lumps of crab meat, held together with the barest minimum of binder, and seasoned simply with Old Bay, mustard, and a touch of Worcestershire. Every bite should taste like the ocean, not breadcrumbs.
The trick to keeping these cakes together without loading them up with filler is gentle handling and a good chill in the refrigerator before cooking. Pan-searing in butter gives them a gorgeous golden crust, while the interior stays moist and loaded with big, beautiful chunks of crab. Serve them with a squeeze of lemon and remoulade sauce for a meal that celebrates the best of Chesapeake Bay cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, gently whisk together egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.
- 2
Add the crab meat and panko to the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, fold the mixture together very gently — you want to keep the crab lumps as intact as possible.
- 3
Form the mixture into 6 equal cakes about 1 inch thick. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- 4
Heat butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until foaming subsides.
- 5
Cook crab cakes for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and heated through. Handle them gently when flipping.
- 6
Serve with lemon wedges, remoulade sauce, or tartar sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
Jumbo lump crabLump crab meat
Slightly smaller pieces but still excellent quality and more affordable
Old Bay seasoningSeafood seasoning blend or Cajun seasoning
Use the same amount — the flavor profile will shift slightly
Panko breadcrumbsCrushed saltine crackers
A traditional Maryland alternative that adds a slightly different crunch
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not skip the chilling step — it is essential for the crab cakes to hold together during cooking.
Carefully pick through the crab meat twice to remove any hidden shell fragments.
Avoid pressing or flattening the crab cakes in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for a clean, even crust.
Storage
Uncooked formed crab cakes can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. Cooked crab cakes keep for 2 days refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. A skillet with a little butter also works well.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (2 crab cakes) · 3 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein24g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat18g
Fiber0g
Sugar1g
Sodium620mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of crab meat should I buy?
- Jumbo lump is the gold standard for crab cakes. Lump crab meat also works well. Avoid claw meat for this recipe as it has a stronger flavor and smaller pieces.
- Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?
- Yes, brush with melted butter and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden on top.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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