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Delicious Maryland Style Crab Cakes: A Coastal Classic

Deliciously simple Maryland Style Crab Cakes that highlight the sweet, delicate flavor of lump crab meat with fresh herbs and light seasoning. Perfect for brunches or elegant dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for additional crunch)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
  • Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and parsley. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat.
  2. Fold in the breadcrumbs until just combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Shape the mixture into 8 patties about 1 inch thick. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold shape.
  4. Heat butter and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook crab cakes for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Chilling the patties before cooking helps them keep their shape. Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing to preserve the delicate texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: crab cakes, seafood, Maryland style, pan-fried, easy dinner