Irresistible Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Recipe for Seafood Fans

Crafting the perfect maryland jumbo lump crab cakes demands skill and passion for coastal cuisine.

Delicate seafood transforms into a culinary masterpiece with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Chesapeake Bay traditions inspire this classic dish that celebrates fresh, succulent crab meat.

Subtle seasonings complement the natural sweetness of premium lump crab, creating an irresistible appetizer.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike treasure this straightforward yet elegant recipe.

Local restaurants can’t compete with the homemade magic you’ll create in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into a mouthwatering adventure that will impress everyone at your table.

Why Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Are A Seafood Lover’s Dream

• Master Classic Seafood: Dive into a traditional Maryland-style recipe that showcases the pure, delicate flavor of jumbo lump crab meat with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.
• Quick Gourmet Preparation: Create restaurant-quality crab cakes at home without complicated techniques, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress family and guests with minimal cooking skills.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy as an elegant appetizer, main course, or party dish that adapts to different dining scenarios from casual family dinners to sophisticated gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust seasoning and serving styles to match personal preferences, making this recipe a flexible crowd-pleaser that suits various taste profiles and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

• Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: Fresh, high-quality seafood that forms the primary protein of the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the crab cake mixture together and provide structure.
• Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and sharp background note to the crab cakes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the mixture.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic Maryland seafood spice blend that complements the crab meat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a light, green flavor and visual appeal.
• Butter: Used for cooking and creates a golden, crispy exterior.

Steps To Make Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes At Home

Step 1: Blend Crab Mixture

• Fresh jumbo lump crab meat
• Breadcrumbs
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Old Bay seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped parsley

Gently fold ingredients together, being careful not to break up the delicate crab meat chunks.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Patties

Craft beautiful crab cake rounds using your hands, placing each carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure patties are compact and hold together well.

Step 3: Chill and Firm

Slide the baking sheet into the refrigerator and let crab cakes rest and set for minimum 30 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare Sizzling Skillet

Warm a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter until it begins to foam slightly.

Step 5: Golden Brown Perfection

Carefully transfer chilled crab cakes into the buttery skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until achieving a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and ensuring they’re heated thoroughly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy crab cakes to serving plates. Accompany with fresh lemon wedges or your preferred dipping sauce for an extraordinary dining experience.

Tips For Crispy, Golden Crab Cakes

• Gently handle the crab meat to preserve its delicate texture and prevent breaking the lumps.
• Chill the crab cakes before cooking to help them maintain their shape and prevent falling apart during frying.
• Use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and tender consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Pan-fry in butter for a rich, golden-brown exterior, but avoid overcooking to keep the crab meat tender and succulent.

Tasty Variations On Classic Crab Cakes

• Spicy Southwest Crab Cakes: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder to the mixture for a zesty kick, topped with chipotle aioli.
• Mediterranean Herb Crab Cakes: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese, served with tzatziki sauce.
• Cajun-Style Crab Cakes: Mix in Cajun seasoning, green onions, and bell peppers, paired with remoulade sauce.
• Asian Fusion Crab Cakes: Blend in ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and green onions, garnished with sesame seeds and sriracha mayo.

Perfect Pairings For Maryland Style Crab Cakes

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the delicate crab meat's sweetness and cuts through the rich buttery texture.
• Brighten with Citrus Accompaniment: Pair with a tangy lemon-dill aioli or fresh remoulade sauce to enhance the seafood's natural flavors and add a bright, zesty kick.
• Cool with Herb-Infused Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like chives and parsley, dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the crab cakes' richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

How To Store And Reheat Crab Cakes Properly

• Store crab cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual crab cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place crab cakes on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, turning once halfway.
• Warm a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook crab cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring they're crispy and heated evenly without burning.

FAQs For Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

• What type of crab meat is best for this recipe?

Maryland blue crab jumbo lump is ideal because it’s sweet, tender, and has large, pristine meat chunks that create the most delicious and authentic crab cake texture.

• How do I prevent my crab cakes from falling apart?

Chilling the formed patties for at least 30 minutes helps them hold together during cooking. Gently handling the mixture and using just enough binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg also prevents crumbling.

• Can I bake these crab cakes instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through. Baking works well but might not give the same crispy golden exterior as pan-frying with butter.

Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maryland’s legendary Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes showcase pure coastal elegance with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Local chefs craft these delicate seafood delights by gently binding premium crab meat, creating a golden-crusted treasure you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) jumbo lump crab meat

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

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Instructions

1. Delicately combine fresh Maryland jumbo lump crab meat with breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring minimal disruption to the delicate crab meat.
2. Gently shape the mixture into uniform patties, maintaining their loose texture to preserve the crab’s natural tenderness.
3. Transfer the formed patties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up and prevent potential crumbling during cooking.
4. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter until it begins to foam slightly.
5. Carefully place the chilled crab cakes into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are thoroughly heated.
6. Remove from heat and plate immediately, accompanying with zesty lemon wedges or a complementary sauce to enhance the delicate seafood flavor.

Notes

• Chill the crab cakes before cooking to help them hold their shape and prevent falling apart during the searing process.
• Use fresh, high-quality jumbo lump crab meat for the most authentic and delicious Maryland-style crab cakes with rich, sweet flavor.
• Minimal mixing prevents breaking up delicate crab meat, ensuring tender and light textured cakes that showcase the seafood’s natural sweetness.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the classic crab cake texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 412 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 131 mg