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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheating Preparation: Set oven to 400F (200C) and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper or light cooking spray.
- 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.
- Crab Cake Formation: Gently fold lump crab meat and panko breadcrumbs into seasoned mixture, maintaining delicate crab texture while ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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