Authentic Maryland Crab Cakes

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) lump crabmeat (preferably blue crab)

1 large egg

2 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

¼ cup crushed saltine crackers (or breadcrumbs)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)

1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crab Mixture

Gently pick through the crabmeat to remove any shell fragments.

In a large bowl, whisk together egg, mayo, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Add crushed crackers and gently fold in the crabmeat. Mix lightly — don’t break up the lumps!

  1. Form the Cakes

Shape the mixture into 6–8 small patties or 4 large cakes.

Place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

  1. Cook the Crab Cakes

In a skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat.

Fry crab cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.

  1. Serve

Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or remoulade.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

Chef’s Tips

Don’t overmix — large chunks of crab are key for authentic Maryland texture.

For a lighter version, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Best served with coleslaw or a side of crispy fries.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *