The Best Homemade Maryland Crab Cake Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Maryland crab cake recipe is simple, delicious, and packed with flavor—perfect for seafood lovers. You’ll enjoy every bite, whether it’s for a special dinner or a casual meal.

Fresh, lump crab meat takes center stage, giving these cakes a sweet, tender texture.
Minimal filler means more crab in every bite, just like the classic Maryland style.
Easy to make with simple ingredients, so you can whip them up anytime for a taste of the coast.

Recipe

Maryland crab cakes are a beloved seafood dish known for their rich, savory flavor and tender texture. Made with fresh lump crabmeat and minimal filler, these crab cakes highlight the natural sweetness of the crab. This classic recipe is simple yet delicious, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh lump crabmeat
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, gently pick through the crabmeat to remove any shells, being careful not to break up the lumps.
Add breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix lightly until just combined.
Form the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties, about 3 inches in diameter. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce or remoulade, if desired.

Notes:

Handle the crabmeat gently to maintain large lumps for the best texture.
Chilling the crab cakes before cooking helps them hold their shape.

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl
Skillet
Spatula

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 53 minutes (including chilling)

Cuisine: American (Maryland)

Serving: 6 crab cakes

Nutrition

Maryland crab cakes are a delicious and nutritious meal, offering a good source of protein and essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 250

Total Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 120mg

Sodium: 500mg

Total Carbohydrates: 8g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 1g

Protein: 20g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing Maryland crab cakes with classic side dishes like coleslaw or corn on the cob for a hearty meal. A fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly. These options keep the meal light, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Classic Side Dishes

When you’ve got a plate of golden, crunchy Maryland crab cakes ready to go, you’ll want sides that keep things simple yet delicious. I love pairing them with classic coleslaw—its creamy tanginess balances the rich crab perfectly. A side of buttery corn on the cob adds a sweet, summery touch, while crispy french fries give that satisfying crunch. I also enjoy serving them with mashed potatoes, smooth and comforting, or a warm, crusty bread roll to soak up any extra flavors. These sides are straightforward but make the meal feel complete, letting the crab cakes shine as the star.

Fresh Salad Options

Bright, fresh salads can be a fantastic way to balance the richness of Maryland crab cakes, adding a light, crisp element to the meal. I love serving a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette; it’s quick and lets the crab cakes shine. A classic Caesar salad, with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, is another favorite. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll toss together a citrusy avocado and grapefruit salad—it’s invigorating and pairs perfectly. Sometimes, a cucumber and tomato salad, lightly dressed with olive oil and herbs, does the trick. These salads make the meal feel complete, without overpowering the star dish.