Golden Crispy Baked Crab Cakes Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts adore these delectable crab cakes with their irresistible crispy baked crab cakes recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor.

Golden-brown edges and delicate crab meat create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Each bite bursts with fresh herbs and zesty seasonings that complement the sweet, tender crab.

Professional chefs and home cooks agree these cakes offer a simple yet elegant dish for any occasion.

The secret lies in selecting high-quality lump crab meat and using just the right blend of ingredients.

These crab cakes pair beautifully with a tangy remoulade or fresh lemon wedges, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Prepare to wow your dinner guests with this foolproof culinary masterpiece that turns a classic seafood favorite into something truly spectacular.

Kitchen Tools To Nail Baked Crab Cakes

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and gently mixing crab meat.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending wet ingredients and creating a uniform mixture.
• Baking sheet: Crucial for placing and baking crab cakes evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cooking spray or olive oil brush: Helps create a crispy, golden exterior.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and flipping crab cakes during baking.

How To Bake Baked Crab Cakes The Easy Way

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400 degrees. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Create the Crab Cake Magic

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together a flavor explosion of mayo, egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Gently fold in the delicate crab meat and breadcrumbs, keeping the mixture light and fluffy.

• Shape Your Seafood Delights

Use your hands to craft 6-8 perfect crab cake rounds. Nestle them on the baking sheet with some breathing room between each. Give the tops a quick spritz of cooking spray or a brushing of olive oil for that irresistible golden crunch.

• Bake to Perfection

Send those beauties into the hot oven for 18-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure an even, gorgeous brown. Want extra crispiness? Hit them with the broiler for a quick 1-2 minute finish.

• Plate and Celebrate

Serve these ocean-inspired treasures piping hot. Pair with tangy tartar sauce or bright lemon wedges for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Golden Tips For Crispy Baked Crab Cakes

• Perfectly Tender Technique: Handle the lump crab meat gently to maintain its delicate texture and prevent breaking the meat into tiny pieces during mixing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare crab cake mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered, to enhance flavor development and allow ingredients to meld together.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners without compromising texture.
• Protein Powerhouse Variations: Experiment with different seafood like salmon, shrimp, or white fish as alternative protein sources for a unique twist on the classic crab cake recipe.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust Old Bay seasoning and add red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who enjoy a spicier kick, or reduce seasoning for a milder flavor profile.

Serving Baked Crab Cakes With Style

• Seaside Picnic Platter: Arrange crab cakes on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, sprigs of parsley, and small ramekins of zesty sauces for a coastal dining experience.
• Brunch Sensation: Serve crab cakes alongside poached eggs, crispy bacon, and a light arugula salad for a luxurious weekend breakfast that feels like a gourmet restaurant.
• Cocktail Party Appetizer: Create mini crab cakes (using smaller portions) and top with a dollop of remoulade or spicy aioli, perfect for elegant gatherings and easy finger food.
• Summer Salad Companion: Pair crab cakes with a fresh mixed green salad featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette for a light and refreshing meal.

Keep Baked Crab Cakes Tasting Fresh

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover crab cakes sealed in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Wrap each cake individually to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm refrigerated crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture and maintain crispy edges.
• Freezer Friendly Method: Freeze uncooked crab cake mixture or fully prepared cakes for up to 2 months. Layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking and freezer burn.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare crab cake mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows flavors to meld and simplifies last-minute meal preparation. Shape cakes just before baking for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Baked Crab Cakes

• Mayonnaise: Creates creamy binding that enhances overall flavor and helps hold ingredients together without drying out crab meat.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps ingredients stick, ensuring crab cakes maintain shape during baking.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and subtle sharpness to complement delicate crab flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces rich umami undertone with complex savory notes.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor profile and helps cut through richness of seafood.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice mix delivering signature maritime taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides warm, aromatic background flavor without harsh raw garlic bite.
• Paprika: Introduces gentle smokiness and beautiful golden color to crab cakes.
• Parsley: Offers fresh herbaceous note and vibrant green flecks throughout mixture.
• Green Onions: Delivers mild onion flavor with crisp, fresh undertone.

• Lump Crab Meat: Premium seafood protein that forms primary ingredient with sweet, delicate texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light, airy crumbs that create crispy exterior while maintaining tender interior.

Crispy Baked Crab Cakes Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Maryland crab cakes highlight fresh lump crabmeat with classic seasoning and minimal filler. Crisp exterior and delicate interior showcase coastal culinary tradition for seafood enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp green onions (chopped)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)

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Instructions

1. Preheating Preparation: Set oven to 400F (200C) and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or light cooking spray.
2. Flavor Fusion: Whisk mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, parsley, and green onions into a unified, aromatic mixture.
3. Crab Cake Formation: Gently fold lump crab meat and panko breadcrumbs into seasoned mixture, maintaining delicate crab texture while ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Shaping and Positioning: Mold mixture into 6-8 uniform patties, arranging them with ample space on prepared baking sheet and lightly misting tops with cooking spray or olive oil for golden crispness.
5. Baking Transformation: Roast in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, rotating midway to achieve consistent browning and thorough cooking, ensuring each crab cake develops a perfectly crisp exterior.
6. Final Crisp Finish: Activate broiler for a quick 1-2 minute intense heat exposure, carefully monitoring to prevent burning while creating an extra-crunchy surface.
7. Serving Presentation: Plate immediately with accompaniments like tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a fresh side salad to complete the culinary experience.

Notes

• Minimize Moisture: Drain crab meat thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess liquid, preventing soggy crab cakes and ensuring a crispy exterior.
• Prevent Crumbling: Chill mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help patties hold together better and reduce potential breakage during baking.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the overall taste profile and introduce subtle depth to the recipe.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version, or use almond flour for a low-carb alternative that maintains texture and binding properties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg