Crab Cake Recipe - w/ Homemade Creamy Crab Cake Sauce (2024)

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by Jennifer Debth

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ThisCrab Cake Recipeis light, fresh, crispy, and paired with a creamy crab cake sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect appetizer for any get-together!

Quick Navigation

  • General
  • Ingredients
  • How to make
  • Get the recipe
  • Step-by-step video
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long to cook
  • Can you use fresh crab?
  • Why are the cakes crumbly?
  • Pairing suggestions
  • How to store
  • Nutrition information

I l.o.v.e. a good crab cake. They’re so crispy, light, and elegant. I always thought they’d be difficult to make, so I was pleasantly surprised to find out that these take just a few minutes (and simple ingredients) to come together!

Ingredients

  • Egg Yolk – helps bind all the crab cake ingredients together.
  • Mayonnaise– adds an amazing creamy texture and tangy flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard, Yellow Mustard, and Worcestershire Sauce– adds moisture, a little spice, and tang.
  • Hot Sauce– just a touch to give a little spicy kick.
  • Garlic Powder and Salt– adds and enhances flavors.
  • Crab– use canned crab to keep these easy and affordable. Make sure to drain the cans really well or the cakes won’t hold their shape.
  • Green Onion – adds a sweet, earthy flavor.
  • Panko– helps to bind the cakes together and allows the exterior to get extra crispy.
  • Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter– for cooking.

Pro tip

Why use oil AND butter for sautéing the crab cakes? Butter adds flavor while the oil helps to keep the butter from burning, so you can get a nice sear on the outside of cakes.

How to make

Make these as a quick last minute appetizer or make the filling in advance to save time later on! You can’t go wrong.

  1. Mix together mayonnaise, egg yolk, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt until fully combined.Crab Cake Recipe - w/ Homemade Creamy Crab Cake Sauce (2)
  2. Mix in the crab, onion, and Panko.Crab Cake Recipe - w/ Homemade Creamy Crab Cake Sauce (3)
  3. Use an ice cream scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup to portion the mixture into 5 rounds then use your hands to press them into patties. Crab Cake Recipe - w/ Homemade Creamy Crab Cake Sauce (4)
  4. Heat oil and butter in a large non-stick pan then cook the patties for 2-4 minutes each side.Drain on paper towels then serve and enjoy!Crab Cake Recipe - w/ Homemade Creamy Crab Cake Sauce (5)

Pro tip

Drain the crab extremely well before incorporating it into the recipe. If there’s too much moisture, the crab cakes won’t be able to hold their shape.

How long to cook crab cakes

Crab cakes should be fully cooked after frying in a hot skillet for 2-4 minutes on each side. Time may vary if your crab cakes are thinner or thicker.

You’ll be able to tell they’re done when the the middle is hot and the outside is golden-brown and crispy.

Crab Cake Recipe - w/ Homemade Creamy Crab Cake Sauce (6)

Can you use fresh crab?

Although fresh crab is delicious, it’s much more labor intensive, can be difficult to remove from the shell, and is more expensive. I recommend sticking with the canned crab to keep this recipe under 20 minutes and affordable!

Pro tip

If the seafood counter at your local grocery store sells fresh crab that’s already removed from the shell and it’s not too expensive, feel free to use that instead of the canned variety. Fresh crab may be more dry than canned, so you may need to add more mayo to hold the cakes together.

Why are my crab cakes crumbly?

If your crab cakes are crumbly, they’re either too dry or there’s too much moisture. Be sure to not over-measure the panko and make sure you drain the canned crab fullybefore using it in the cakes.

Crab Cake Recipe - w/ Homemade Creamy Crab Cake Sauce (7)

What to serve with crab cakes

I love to serve my crab cakes alongside a creamy crab cake sauce. A couple of my favorite crab cake sauces are tartar sauce or remoulade—a tangy and flavorful mayo-based sauce. Feel free to make your own or use your favorite store-bought variety!

If you’re looking for other recipes to serve up with these crab cakes, here are some yummy ideas!

  • Potato Salad
  • Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower
  • Fruit Salad
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Chopped Chickpea Salad

How to store

Leftover crab cakes will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat,thaw in the fridge if frozen then bake to re-warm and re-crisp.

– Jennifer

Crab Cake Recipe

ThisCrab Cake Recipeis light, fresh, crispy, and paired with a creamy crab cake sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect appetizer for any get-together!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Yield: 5 crab cakes

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Equipment for this recipe

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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 (6 oz) cans crab drained VERY well
  • 1 green onion sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • 1/2 cup panko
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Tartar sauce for serving
  • Remoulade or Crab Cake Sauce for serving

Recipe Video

Instructions

  • In a medium size bowl, mix together mayonnaise, egg yolk, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt until fully incorporated.

  • Stir in the crab, onion, and panko until well combined.

  • Use an ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup to evenly scoop the mixture into 5 rounds onto a plastic cutting board.


  • Use your hands to gently press them into patties. Set aside.

  • In large non-stick pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium/medium high heat.

  • Place patties in pan.

  • Brown on each side, about 2-4 minutes per side.

  • 
Drain on paper towels and serve with sauce of choice like a remoulade or tartar sauce!

  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!

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STORING

Room Temp:N/A

Refrigerator:3-5 Days

Freezer:3 Months

Reheat:Thaw if frozen then bake to warm

*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Crab Cake Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 crab cake)

Calories 124 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 52mg17%

Sodium 433mg19%

Potassium 60mg2%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 143IU3%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 23mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: 20 minutes, canned crab, crispy

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Author: Jennifer Debth

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Crab Cake Recipe - w/ Homemade Creamy Crab Cake Sauce (2024)

FAQs

What is crab cake sauce made of? ›

Combine 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Dijon (or Creole mustard), 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon capers, 1 clove garlic, and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice in a food processor or high-speed blender.

What is the best sauce to eat with crab? ›

Now once you have your crab cooked and picked, here are my favorite dipping sauces to go with the crab meat. A simple Garlic Clarified Butter dipping sauce, Avocado Wasabi Mayonnaise dipping sauce and a Curry Mustard dipping sauce; all three are very different from each other but totally delicious.

What is the difference between Maryland crab cakes and regular crab cakes? ›

The Differences In Maryland Crab Cakes

For starters, they typically use more meat and less other filling compared to regular crab cakes. Of course, every recipe is different, but Maryland's versions really allow the crab meat to shine and only use enough fillers to hold the cakes together.

How do you make Paula Deen's crab cakes? ›

Sauté the onion, bell pepper and 1 clove garlic until the pepper is limp, approximately 3 minutes. Add the cream, mustard, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon parsley, cayenne pepper and 1/2 cup bread crumbs, to taste, and mix well. Gently fold in the crabmeat. Form the mixture into 8 patties, about 1/2-inch thick.

What is juicy crab sauce made of? ›

4 sticks of unsalted butterMince garlic One chopped onion1/2 cup chicken broth 1 squeeze lemon Tablespoon of all seasons Chill powder Red pepper flakes Lemon...

What keeps crab cakes from falling apart? ›

There's actually a pretty easy fix for this common problem. Simply stick your crab cakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The time they spend there will allow the crab cakes to solidify their shape. It also helps to bring out their flavors more, so there's more benefits to be reaped here!

What brings out the flavor of crab? ›

If you plan to boil or steam your crab legs, your first option is to use the water to impart extra flavor. Don't be shy about adding salt, pepper, lemon juice and lemon rinds, or the classic Old Bay seasoning to your pot before boiling or steaming your crab legs.

What's the difference between Marie Rose sauce and seafood sauce? ›

Marie Rose sauce (known in some areas as co*cktail sauce or seafood sauce) is a British condiment often made from a blend of tomatoes, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and black pepper. A simpler version can be made by merely mixing tomato ketchup with mayonnaise.

Is it better to pan fry or bake crab cakes? ›

Are crab cakes better baked or fried? You can either bake or fry these crab cakes. My personal preference is to bake them because it's easier (no risk of them falling apart when you flip them) and they are less prone to drying out (it's easy to overcook the crab cakes when frying them in a pan).

Which crab meat is better for crab cakes? ›

Ultimately, lump crab meat is the best option for crab cakes; it has great texture and flavor, and while it is still somewhat pricey, it's not nearly as expensive as jumbo crab meat. One pound of crab meat will yield cakes to serve about 4-6 people.

What is a boardwalk style crab cake? ›

Restaurant style cakes are more gourmet and are made with large chunks of crab meat so it the crab is the main focus. Boardwalk style cakes are filled with smaller chunks of crab, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasoning- Old Bay, of course.

Why are my crab cakes mushy? ›

Using canned crab meat that hasn't been fully drained may lead to extra liquid in the mixture, making the cakes mushy. Using low-quality crab meat may also lead to mushy cakes, which is why I recommend using lump crab meat.

What is crab cake filler made of? ›

Crab cake filling: I go light on the filler, using juuuust enough to bind the crab cakes together. You'll need an egg, mayonnaise, chopped fresh herbs (I like parsley, dill, and tarragon!), Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, Kosher salt, and black pepper.

What is crab dip made of? ›

Stir cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon zest and juice, seafood seasoning, paprika, hot sauce, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne, and 4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese together in a bowl until well combined. Season with salt.

What are the ingredients in three crabs fish sauce? ›

A: The ingredients are: anchovy extract, water, salt, fructose and hydrolyzed wheat protein. It does not contain any other preservatives nor MSG.

What is crab boil sauce made of? ›

What is seafood boil sauce made of? This seafood sauce recipe consists of cajun seasoning, old bay, garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, onions, butter, brown sugar, chicken stock, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.

What is crab imperial sauce made of? ›

While the imperials are cooking, combine Imperial Topping ingredients (mayonnaise, half & half, seafood seasoning, lemon juice & Worcestershire sauce) in a medium mixing bowl and whip until smooth. After imperials are finished baking, remove from oven and switch oven to broil.

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