Description
This Maryland Crab Cake recipe delivers flavorful, moist crab cakes enhanced with classic Old Bay seasoning, fresh parsley, and a tangy homemade tartar sauce. Baked under the broiler for a perfectly golden crust, these crab cakes make an elegant appetizer or main dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Cakes
- 1.5 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 of a small lemon, juiced
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Crab Cake Sauce
- 1/4 cup tartar sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 of a small lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the crab mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 1.5 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 large egg, and juice of half a small lemon. Gently fold in 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat and 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Form and broil the crab cakes: Preheat the oven broiler on high. Shape the crab mixture into 4 large, even-sized balls and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush each crab cake with 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter to encourage browning. Position the baking sheet about 4 inches from the broiler element and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the crab cakes turn golden brown on top. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Prepare the crab cake sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup tartar sauce, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, juice from half a small lemon, and 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Whisk together until smooth and well blended to create a zesty dipping sauce.
- Serve: Plate the broiled crab cakes alongside lemon wedges and serve with the prepared Old Bay tartar sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Ensure to use lump crab meat as it provides the best texture and flavor for Maryland crab cakes.
- Refrigerating the crab cake mixture helps it hold together while cooking.
- Watch closely during broiling as crab cakes can quickly brown and burn.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly pan-fry the crab cakes instead of broiling.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Maryland Crab Cakes, Crab Cake Recipe, Old Bay Crab Cakes, Broiled Crab Cakes, Seafood Appetizer
