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Fresh Crab Cakes

Delicious and easy to make fresh crab cakes that are lightly crisp on the outside with big flakes of crab and bright flavors from herbs and lemon.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Crab Cakes
  • 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells Use the freshest you can find; lump crab gives the best texture.
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise Helps bind and adds richness; Greek yogurt can be substituted for lighter cakes.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or salt plus a pinch of paprika
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs For gluten-free: use gluten-free panko or crushed almond flour.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying
For the Quick Lemon Herb Sauce
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gently fold the crab meat with the beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon, Worcestershire, lemon juice, parsley, green onion, and Old Bay in a large bowl. Use a light hand to keep the lumps intact.
  2. Add panko a little at a time until the mixture just holds together when pressed. It should be moist but not soggy.
Shape the Cakes
  1. Divide into 8 small or 4 large patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Press gently to form compact rounds.
  2. Place them on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help them set and hold their shape.
Make the Lemon Herb Sauce
  1. Stir together Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity. Chill until serving.
Pan-Fry Until Golden
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  2. When the butter foams and smells nutty, add crab cakes, leaving space between them. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and crisp and the center registers around 145°F.
  3. Avoid flipping too soon; the cakes should release easily when a crust has formed.
Finish and Serve
  1. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate for a moment to drain.
  2. Serve warm with a dollop of lemon herb sauce and a wedge of lemon. The interior should be flaky and moist, not dense or gummy.

Notes

Freshness matters: buy the best crab you can afford. Canned crab can be used, but adjust seasoning for salt. Less is more with binding: you want the crab to be the focus, not heavy fillers.