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A plate showcasing several Maryland style crab cakes, perfectly golden-brown.

Best way to grow the perfect Crab Cakes (Maryland Style)

This recipe guides you through making authentic Maryland-style crab cakes, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, showcasing the sweet flavor of crab meat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 crab cakes
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup saltine crackers crushed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • large non-stick skillet
  • plate

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gently pick through the crab meat to remove any shell fragments, being careful not to break up the lumps.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, egg, fresh parsley, and lemon juice until well combined.
Forming the Crab Cakes
  1. Add the crushed saltine crackers to the wet mixture and stir gently to combine.
  2. Carefully fold in the jumbo lump crab meat, taking care not to shred the lumps.
  3. Form the mixture into eight equal cakes, approximately 1-inch thick, and place them on a plate.
Cooking the Crab Cakes
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Carefully place the crab cakes in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  3. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through, then serve immediately.

Notes

For crisper crab cakes, you can chill them for 30 minutes before frying.