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Crab Cakes Recipe

Homemade crab cakes surpass any restaurant version, brimming with succulent lump crab meat and only a touch of filler, perfectly seasoned for an exquisite bite every time.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crab cake recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt adjust as needed
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 medium onion finely diced (approx. 1 cup)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley minced
  • 1 lb lump crab meat from about 2 Dungeness crabs
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil divided
  • 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning

Lemon Aioli Dip:

  • 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove pressed
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until tender and golden, about 7–9 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, chosen seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper until well combined. Examine the crab meat, discarding any stray shell fragments, and gently break apart larger chunks. Add the crab meat to the bowl with the egg mixture. Stir in the cooled vegetables, panko bread crumbs, and chopped parsley until the mixture is thoroughly moistened. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Shape the chilled mixture into roughly 15 patties, about 1/2 inch thick, dampening hands with water to prevent sticking. In a large non-stick pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the crab cakes in batches for about 4–5 minutes per side, lowering the heat as needed to prevent excessive browning. Transfer the cooked cakes to a platter and continue with the remaining patties, adding more oil and butter as necessary. For the dip, combine all lemon aioli ingredients in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve alongside the warm crab cakes.
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Notes

Be mindful of the crab’s natural saltiness; adjust added seasoning accordingly if using particularly salty cooked or canned crab.