Crab Cakes

Crab Cakes are a favorite along the coast. They’re delicious, savory, and can be eaten alone or served with a creamy dip.

This time of year we are all looking for lighter recipes as the weather gets warmer. I know that we don’t like to have heavy meals when we want to be outside enjoying the warmth and sunshine.

So we make recipes like this because not only are they delicious, but they are so incredibly easy to make too. You have to love a good 30-minute dinner like this one.

My mom’s side of the family is from New England. So they made recipes like this all of the time. Things like lobster, crab, and all sorts of things were pretty common.

So I was able to pull my Meme’s old recipe box and find this little gem. You can’t go wrong with a classic like this one!

Here are some commonly asked questions

What are crab cakes?

Crab Cakes are a seafood dish made from crab meat, breading, and seasonings. They are easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

They can be made with fresh or canned crab meat. If using fresh crab meat, it is important to remove all shells and cartilage before cooking.

Seasoning Substitutes

Most seafood recipes are complemented with classic Old Bay Seasoning. It’s in the spice aisle at your local grocery store (and likely near the seafood section).

Cajun Seasoning is the best substitute I’ve found for crab and fish. Depending on the variety, Cajun seasoning may be spicier; therefore, I recommend using 1 tsp of cajun seasoning or adding to taste.

What is the best type of crab meat to use for crab cakes?

There are many different types of crab meat available, but the best type to use for crab cakes is fresh lump crab meat. This type of crab meat is less likely to contain shells or bits of cartilage, which can make your crab cakes tough.

That being said – I opted for canned crab for this recipe. This is from my Meme’s original recipe. She was cooking for 6 kids – so having any type of seafood had to be economical.

Keep in mind that the canned crab can add extra saltiness – so you can reduce the salt in the recipe if desired. However, the canned is a bit more economical and easier to find when you live in Northern Idaho. Whenever possible I will use fresh lump crab meat for these cakes.

If you can’t find or have trouble getting the fresh lump crab but want better quality than the canned option – you can always pick up the pre-packaged kind that is located in the refrigerated section. Just be sure you aren’t getting imitation crab – which in that case, the canned will still be the better option.

Ingredients to Make Crab Cakes

• white crab meat OR good-quality lump crab meat
• green onions – chopped
• tarragon – chopped
• red pepper flakes
• lemon juice fresh
• mayonnaise
• Ritz crackers or butter-flavored crackers, crushed
• butter for cooking

Tartar sauce

• dill relish – drain excess liquid
• mayo
• chili powder

What is the best way to cook crab cakes?

Crab cakes can be cooked in a number of ways, but the best way to ensure that they are cooked evenly and thoroughly is to pan-fry them.

To pan-fry crab cakes, heat a layer of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the crab cakes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?

Yes, absolutely. This recipe is great for parties because it is so easy to make ahead of time. We like to double and even triple this recipe depending on the number of guests we have coming over. These are a hit for sure.

Can crab cakes be baked?

Crab cakes can also be baked in the oven. To bake crab cakes, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

I recommend brushing the tops with a little melted butter when baking to help with the browning.

How long can these be kept in the refrigerator?

When properly stored, these will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend keeping Dungeness Crab for longer than that. But we have never had to worry about that because we never have leftovers. These are so good, they are gone in a flash.

How to Cook Crab Cakes

Crab Cakes

1. Drain the cans of the crab meat, set them aside.
2. In a medium bowl, add the egg, mayonnaise, red pepper flakes, green onions, tarragon, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the crab meat to the egg mixture, and mix well.
4. Use a ziptop bag and a rolling pin to crush the crackers, add the crushed crackers to the crab meat mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Form 8 small crab cakes and prepare a skillet with melted butter over medium-high heat.
6. Add the crab cakes to the skillet and cook for 5 min approximately on each side or until they are a light golden brown.
7. Remove from the heat, and serve immediately.

Tartar Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, relish, and chili powder. Stir.
2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Optional: use finely chopped pickles in place of the relish

What should I serve with crab cakes?

Crab cakes are typically served with a dipping sauce or tartar sauce. They can also be served over a salad or with rice and vegetables. Here are some recipes you can pair with these.

• Easy Chef Salad
• Grilled Chicken Salad – just replace the chicken with the crab cakes
• Easy Fruit Salad
• Three Bean Salad
• Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Biscuits
• 20-Minute Cheddar Biscuits

Can crab cakes be made in the air fryer?

You bet. Air frying is a great way to make these and I highly recommend it.

To make these in the air fryer – prepare as directed. Then place them in the air fryer basket and cook them at 360 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Products I love when making crab cakes…

This recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made a recipe like this before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this delicious recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)

• prep bowls
• spatula
• non-stick cookware
• cast iron skillet

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If you love this eays recipe, you’re going to love these other ideas too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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