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Crispy Baltimore Crab Cakes Recipe with Old Bay and Lump Crab

crispy Baltimore crab cakes - featured image

A simple and rewarding recipe for crispy crab cakes with a golden crust and tender lump crab inside, seasoned with iconic Old Bay spice. Perfect for quick meals or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lump crab meat, drained well
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Carefully pick through the lump crab meat to remove any shells. Gently pat the crab dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture. (About 10 minutes)
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning until smooth.
  3. Stir in chopped parsley, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the binder mixture.
  4. Gently fold in crab meat and breadcrumbs with a spatula or large spoon, being careful not to break up the lumps. Add more breadcrumbs if mixture feels too wet.
  5. Form the mixture into 6-8 patties, about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
  6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
  7. Place chilled crab cakes into the hot pan. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until deep golden crust forms. Flip gently and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes until firm and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  8. Transfer crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lemon wedges or remoulade sauce.

Notes

Keep crab lumps intact by folding gently. Chill crab cakes before frying to help them hold shape. Use a mix of butter and oil for frying to achieve a golden crust without burning. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. For a lighter version, swap mayo with Greek yogurt or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Air fryer method: cook at 370°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crab cakes, Baltimore crab cakes, Old Bay seasoning, lump crab, seafood, pan-fried crab cakes, easy crab cakes, gluten-free option