Crab cakes are a quintessential seafood delight that evoke images of coastal summers and indulgent dining experiences. These succulent patties of fresh crab and aromatic spices, often punctuated with the crunch of breadcrumbs, are a classic of American cuisine, originating in Maryland's iconic Chesapeake Bay.
The great news is you don’t have to have a “summer” place to enjoy this enduring favorite. Let’s crack open the secrets to this tasty delight.
How to Make Crab Cakes
Although this upscale treat might seem intimidating, they're surprisingly effortless to prepare. You can use fresh or frozen crab--or for a more affordable option, try canned lump crab (bonus…it’s already mostly deboned!). If you’re using fresh or frozen crab, you’ll start by gently pick through the meat to remove any shells or cartilage. Next, you’ll mix the crab meat with binders, such as mayonnaise, beaten egg and bread (or breadcrumbs or panko), which will help the cake retain its shape.
To enhance the flavor and texture, you’ll add in mustard and spices—we’re partial to Old Bay Classic Seafood Seasoning for an all-in-one option that puts the perfect amount of spice in each shake. Then you’ll shape the crab mixture into patties and pop them in a skillet until they turn a luscious golden brown. Alternatively you can broil them in the oven on a foil-lined baking sheet.
After these easy steps, your cakes will be good to go, although you can also consider adding flavorings like a squeeze of lemon juice, a few drops of hot sauce or a side dipper like tartar or cocktail sauce.
What to Serve With Your Crab Cake Recipes
While crab recipes are perfect for an appealing appetizer, they also can be the centerpiece of the main meal. Round out the plate with pairings that could include:
- Coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based)
- Hushpuppies (deep-fried cornbread balls)
- French fries
- Grilled or steamed asparagus
- Mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
- Grilled portobello mushrooms
- Sauteed spinach with garlic and lemon
Ready to try your hand with some crab cake recipes? Start with what we humbly believe is a recipe that will yield the best crab cakes and then move on to some fun twists.
Crab Cake Recipes
Old Bay Crab Cakes
There’s nothing like the original, and this rendition features classic Old Bay Classic Seafood Seasoning along with McCormick Parsley Flakes and French's Classic Yellow Mustard for zing. Why mess with the simple perfection of traditional crab recipes?
Crispy Crab Balls
Looking for an easy yet impressive appetizer? It takes just 30 minutes to whip up a batch of these succulent crab morsels, with a burst of flavor in every bite. The secret to their irresistible taste lies in using pre-packaged Old Bay Classic Crab Cake Seasoning Mix to which you add lump crab meat and a dollop of mayo. Form the mix into balls and give them a quick sizzle in hot oil.
Maryland OLD BAY Crab Cake Dip
Looking for more crab recipe-inspired nibbles? Indulge in this crowd-pleasing appetizer that boasts a generous pound of tender lump crab, enveloped in a creamy base that gets its velvety texture from a blend of cream cheese and mayo, punctuated with OLD BAY Seasoning. You can use bread rounds or crackers as your stand-by dippers or branch out with options like pita triangles or parmesan twists. You also can serve with an assortment of crunchy veggies. Bring this to your next gathering, bask in the compliments and be prepared to have this be your new go-to.
Easy Salmon Cakes
Yes we know, this is a story about crab cakes, and here we have…salmon? Sure, why not mix it up and try a different and delicious seafood in your cakes? This recipe takes the goodness of salmon and teams it with other Old Bay favorites, Classic Salmon Cake Mix and tartar sauce. You can use cooked fresh salmon or canned salmon in this flaky delicacy.
