Baltimore Crab Cakes – A Classic Coastal Favorite

Baltimore Crab Cakes are a beloved seafood classic, known for their tender, flaky texture and bold, savory flavor. Made with fresh crab meat, light seasonings, and just enough binder to hold everything together, these crab cakes let the star ingredient shine. Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and bursting with coastal charm, they’re a dish that brings the taste of Maryland straight to your table.

Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or even in a sandwich, crab cakes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: Fresh crab meat is the star—no fillers.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Crispy & Tender: Perfect golden crust with a moist, flaky interior.
Versatile: Enjoy as a main dish, appetizer, or in a sandwich.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup light mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for light texture)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil or light butter (for cooking)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and parsley until smooth.

2. Fold in the Crab
Gently fold in crab meat and breadcrumbs until just combined. Be careful not to break up the crab too much—you want chunks for texture.

3. Shape the Cakes
Form mixture into 6 equal patties and place on a parchment-lined plate. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.

4. Cook the Crab Cakes
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook crab cakes for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.

5. Serve
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a light aioli.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 160
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 18g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Keep the crab meat as intact as possible for a flaky texture.
• Chill Before Cooking: Helps the patties stay firm while pan-searing.
• Go Easy on the Breadcrumbs: Too many will overpower the delicate crab flavor.
• Add a Sauce: Pair with tartar sauce, remoulade, or lemon aioli for extra flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances flavor and texture perfectly—lightly seasoned so the sweet crab shines, with just enough binding to hold everything together. The result is authentic, restaurant-quality crab cakes made right at home in less than 30 minutes.

Baltimore Crab Cakes are a coastal classic that never goes out of style. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of rich seafood flavor, they’re a dish that brings elegance and comfort to the table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, holiday spread, or special occasion, these crab cakes are sure to impress with every bite.