Ingredients
Crab Cakes
- 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 celery rib, minced (about ¼ cup)
- 3 green onions, white and green parts, minced (about ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For Cooking and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Tartar sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Crab Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the fresh lump crab meat with the beaten eggs, panko breadcrumbs, minced celery, minced green onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix carefully to incorporate all ingredients without breaking up the crab meat too much.
- Form Crab Cakes: Shape the mixture into crab cakes, about 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick, ensuring they hold together well. You should get approximately 6 to 8 cakes depending on size.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about ¼ inch and heat over medium heat until shimmering and hot but not smoking.
- Fry Crab Cakes: Carefully place the crab cakes into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Be gentle when mixing the crab to keep lumps intact and enhance texture.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for best flavor and texture; canned crab meat may be too soft.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
- Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is ideal for frying crab cakes.
- These crab cakes can also be baked at 375°F for 15-20 minutes if a lighter version is preferred.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
