Our Maryland crab cake recipe is the perfect blend of sweet lump crab meat and just enough binder to hold it all together.
We’re so excited to share our favorite crab cake recipe with you! Growing up on the Chesapeake in Annapolis, MD, we’ve made it our mission to find the absolute best recipe out there, and we finally did.
This recipe is a true Maryland crab cake: all about the sweet, delicious lump crab meat and very little filler. It’s easy to make with a simple list of ingredients. Use our recipe to make classic crab cakes, a delicious sandwich, or even fun, bite-sized crab balls!
Key Ingredients
- Crab: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat. Blue crab is best for a true Maryland-style cake, but Dungeness crab works well too.
- Saltine Crackers: I prefer crushed saltine crackers over breadcrumbs for the filler.
- Mayonnaise and Egg: These bind the mixture together and add flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a nice pop of flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color and flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the taste.
- Old Bay: Sprinkle on top after cooking for that classic Maryland flavor.
- Crab Cake Sauce: Don’t forget the sauce!
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to Make the Best Crab Cakes
Tip 1: Minimal filler. In Maryland, fillers and extras are a no-no. You need a little bit of filler, like crushed saltine crackers, to help them stay together.
Tip 2: Toss the crab with crushed saltines first. Toss fresh crab meat with crushed saltine crackers before adding wet ingredients.
Tip 3: Chill the mixture in the fridge. Refrigerate the mixture for an hour to allow the crackers to absorb the liquid.
Tip 4: Cooking them. Choose between pan-fried or broiled for different textures.
Ask any Marylander, and they’ll have a preferred cooking method. If you don’t know which you like, try them both!
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Crab Cakes: Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
- Sandwiches: Toasted bread roll, mayo or tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, and crab cake.
- Crab Balls: Serve with tartar sauce and cocktail sauce.
- Crab Cake Benedict: Swap the Canadian bacon for a crab cake in Eggs Benedict.
Our Favorite Sides
For side dishes, try Cajun butter corn, roasted corn, or corn salad. Summer sides like creamy potato salad, macaroni salad, or no mayo potato salad are lovely. Serve with cornbread, french fries, potato wedges, or sweet potato fries.
A side of crab dip is also a great option!
For more ways to enjoy fresh crab, check out our crab rangoon recipe.
Cook the crab cakes until the underside is golden brown, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Cut the butter into six pieces and place one on top of each crab cake. Place the pan under the broiler and cook until the tops are lightly browned, about 4 to 6 minutes. Serve the crab cakes with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, and tartar sauce on the side.