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Crab Cakes Recipe (VIDEO) - Easy Pan-Fried Seafood Cakes
Jessica

Crab Cakes Recipe

Golden pan-fried crab cakes loaded with lump crab meat, minimal filler, and seasoned to perfection with Old Bay and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
chilling time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lump crab meat picked through for shells
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons red bell pepper finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons onion finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice fresh
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoon butter for frying

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Non-stick or cast-iron skillet
  • Fish spatula
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Fold in panko breadcrumbs until evenly moistened. Add diced red bell pepper, onion, and parsley, mixing to combine.
  3. Gently fold in lump crab meat with a rubber spatula using broad, careful strokes. Stop as soon as crab is just coated, being careful not to break up lumps.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1/2 cup mixture per cake and gently form into 8 patties, each about 3 inches across and 1 inch thick.
  5. Cover patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to firm up.
  6. Heat olive oil and butter in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams and oil shimmers.
  7. Carefully place chilled crab cakes in the hot pan, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
  8. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. Flip only once using a thin fish spatula.
  9. Transfer to a wire rack to drain briefly. Serve immediately with tartar sauce, remoulade, or lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Handle crab meat gently to preserve lumps
  • Don't skip chilling time, it prevents falling apart
  • Use a fish spatula for easy flipping
  • Test oil with a breadcrumb, it should sizzle immediately
  • Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 2 days