Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that brings a taste of the East Coast right to our Midwestern kitchens: Old Bay Crab Cakes. Known for their rich flavor and golden crust, crab cakes are a beloved classic in coastal areas, especially Maryland. This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something special that reminds you of seaside adventures or if you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party.
Old Bay Crab Cakes are wonderfully versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a light, refreshing meal, pair them with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try serving them alongside some garlic-butter roasted potatoes or a fresh corn salad. Don’t forget a dollop of tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten everything up!
Old Bay Crab Cakes
Ingredients
1 pound crab meat, picked clean of shells
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for frying
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Gently fold in the crab meat, celery, and red bell pepper, making sure not to break up the crab too much.
3. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mixture and fold them in gently until just combined.
4. Form the mixture into eight even patties.
5. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook the crab cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and heated through.
7. Serve hot with your choice of sides and sauces.
Variations & Tips
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs. If you like a bit of a kick, add a minced jalapeno to the crab mixture. For those who love a smokey flavor, a bit of smoked paprika in the seasoning mix can do wonders.
