How to Make the Perfect Classic Crab Cakes
American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
These golden crispy crab cakes are a kid friendly seafood recipe that even children who are picky about seafood tend to love. Light sweet crab mixed with simple seasonings and pan fried to perfection makes an impressive yet easy dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Crab Cakes recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb lump crab meat drained
- 1 3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg beaten
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp old bay seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Crab Cake Base
Gently combine crab meat breadcrumbs egg mayonnaise and old bay seasoning in a bowl. Be careful not to break up the crab lumps too much as they are what makes crab cakes special.
Step 2: Form Patties
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a flat round patty about 1 inch thick. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes to help them hold together.
Step 3: Pan Fry
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook crab cakes for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and heated through. Do not move them around while cooking.
Step 4: Serve
Serve crab cakes immediately with lemon wedges and a simple dipping sauce like tartar sauce or ketchup that kids love.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- lump crab meat → imitation crab meat for a budget friendly version kids enjoy
- old bay seasoning → garlic powder paprika and a pinch of salt for a milder flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too many breadcrumbs which makes crab cakes dry and heavy
- Flipping the crab cakes too early before they have formed a proper golden crust
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 24g protein, 16g carbs, 16g fat, 1g fiber.
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