There’s something undeniably captivating about the way Maryland-style crab cakes bring a taste of the ocean right to your kitchen. Picture this: golden brown patties, the crispy surface giving way to tender, succulent crab meat infused with the savory kick of Old Bay seasoning. I discovered this delightful recipe during a sun-soaked beach vacation on the Chesapeake Bay, where local chefs showcased their culinary magic.
With just a handful of ingredients—jumbo lump crab meat, buttery Ritz crackers, and a hint of lemon—these crab cakes are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also perfect for impressing dinner guests or enjoying a casual weeknight meal. Plus, they cater to everyone’s palate, whether baked, fried, or air-fried! So, let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing favorite that transforms simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor and joy. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why Are Maryland Style Crab Cakes So Irresistible?
Unforgettable Flavor: The blend of jumbo lump crab meat with Old Bay seasoning creates a flavor explosion that transports you to the coast with every bite.
Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you bake, fry, or air fry, these crab cakes adapt to your cooking style and equipment, making them easy to prepare anytime.
Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy gourmet crab cakes without the long hours usually needed in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these delicious cakes are sure to impress guests or even just brighten your weeknight dinner.
Easy Ingredient Access: Most of the components can be found in your pantry or local grocery store, ensuring you won’t have to search far and wide.
Maryland Style Crab Cakes Ingredients
For the Crab Cake Mixture
• 16 oz canned jumbo lump crab meat – the star of the show, providing rich flavor and texture.
• ¾ cup Ritz crackers – these add the perfect crunch and binding to the mixture.
• 2 large eggs – act as a binder while keeping the crab cakes moist.
• 1 green onion minced – adds a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning – a must-have spice blend that gives a true Maryland flair.
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise – helps with moisture and richness in the cakes.
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt – provides creaminess with a hint of tanginess.
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the flavors, enhancing the crab’s natural sweetness.
For Cooking
• 2 tablespoon butter – used for frying, imparting a delicious, rich flavor to the crab cakes.
These Maryland Style Crab Cakes not only deliver on taste but also bring a delightful touch of the coast to your table!
How to Make Maryland Style Crab Cakes
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Grind the Crackers: Start by using a food processor to grind the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. This adds the perfect texture to your crab cakes, making them wonderfully crispy.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, eggs, minced green onion, Old Bay seasoning, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep that delightful crab texture!
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Form the Patties: Using an ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into 8 large patties. Place each crab patty onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and prepare for cooking.
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Chill: Allow the formed patties to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, ensuring they hold together beautifully while cooking.
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Melt the Butter: In a frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter. You want it bubbly and hot, ready to crisp up your crab cakes.
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Cook the Patties: Carefully place the crab patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and beautifully crispy.
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(Oven Option): If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the crab cakes for 10-15 minutes per side, broiling for the last few minutes to get that desirable crispiness on the outside.
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(Air Fryer Option): For air frying, set your air fryer to 370°F and cook the crab cakes for about 10 minutes. No flipping necessary, but feel free to check for even browning if you’d like.
Optional: Serve with a wedge of lemon for an extra zesty kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
When it comes to elevating your Maryland-style crab cakes, the perfect accompaniments can truly transform your meal into a delightful feast.
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Zesty Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that balances the rich crab cakes, bringing a tangy flavor that complements the Old Bay seasoning beautifully.
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Lemon Garlic Asparagus: The bright acidity of lemon and the lightness of asparagus makes a vibrant side dish that perfectly enhances the savory crab.
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Creamy Dill Sauce: This luscious dip adds a herby freshness and creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the crispy crab cakes, making each bite feel indulgent.
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Old Bay Fries: Crispy, seasoned fries sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning bring a nostalgic touch that pairs seamlessly with the crab flavors.
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Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, juicy tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the crab cakes.
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Chardonnay: This crisp white wine with hints of citrus and vanilla beautifully enhances the sweet and savory elements of the crab cakes and is a terrific pairing for any seafood dish.
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Warm Bread Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, creating a warm, comforting addition to your meal.
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Citrus Sorbet: For dessert, this light and refreshing treat cleanses the palate, leaving you feeling satisfied yet not overly full after a rich seafood dinner.
How to Store and Freeze Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Fridge: Store leftover Maryland Style Crab Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To thaw, simply place the frozen crab cakes in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and maintains their delicious texture.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat cooked crab cakes in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy. Enjoy the delightful flavors again!
Make Ahead Options
These Maryland Style Crab Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the crab cake mixture, mixing together the crab, eggs, minced green onion, Old Bay seasoning, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice, up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep the mixture fresh. You can also shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 3 days; this helps them to firm up nicely. When you’re ready to cook, simply take the patties out of the fridge, cook them in butter, bake, or air fry as directed, and enjoy delicious, perfectly made crab cakes with minimal effort!
Maryland Style Crab Cakes Variations
Feeling creative? Let’s explore some delightful twists to personalize those Maryland-style crab cakes just the way you like them!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for a fiery twist. This can elevate the flavor profile, making your crab cakes even more exciting!
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. These aromatic enhancements will truly brighten up the dish!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy these scrumptious crab cakes without worry.
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Creamy Twist: Replace Greek yogurt with cream cheese for an extra creamy texture, adding richness to your crab cakes. It makes them feel indulgent while keeping things delicious!
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Sweet Corn Surprise: Mix in some sweet corn kernels for a lovely pop of sweetness and texture. The combination with crab is delightful, adding another layer of flavor.
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Cheesy Delight: Fold in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a gooey surprise. It brings a savory richness that pairs perfectly with the crab!
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of a lemon or lime to the mixture for a hint of brightness. This tiny adjustment makes all the difference, intensifying the freshness of the crab.
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Baked Variation: For a healthier alternative, skip the frying and bake the patties with a light drizzle of olive oil. This method keeps them lighter while still achieving a lovely golden color.
With these variations, your Maryland-style crab cakes can reflect your personal tastes while still serving their delicious, ocean-inspired essence! Enjoy experimenting!
Expert Tips for Maryland Style Crab Cakes
• Choose Quality Crab: Opt for high-quality jumbo lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Avoid imitation crab meat as it can compromise the dish’s authenticity.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to maintain the crab’s texture. Overmixing may lead to dense crab cakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Chill Before Cooking: Allowing the formed patties to chill for 30 minutes helps them hold together better during cooking. Don’t skip this step!
• Cooking Methods: Whether you bake, fry, or air fry, ensure the cooking surface is hot before adding the crab cakes. This helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
• Watch for Browning: Keep an eye on the crab cakes while they cook, especially when frying or broiling. Adjust the heat if they brown too quickly to prevent burning.
These tips will help you create perfect Maryland Style Crab Cakes full of flavor and delight!
Maryland Style Crab Cakes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best crab meat for Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality jumbo lump crab meat, preferably from a trusted seafood market or brand. It should have a slightly sweet aroma and firm texture. Avoid imitation crab meat as it lacks the genuine flavor and quality of real crab.
What’s the best way to store leftover Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
You can store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent them from drying out, ensure they are sealed well. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a skillet for the best results!
Can I freeze Maryland Style Crab Cakes?
Yes, you can! To freeze, form the uncooked patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
How do I reheating frozen crab cakes properly?
To reheat frozen Maryland Style Crab Cakes, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. When you’re ready to cook them, heat them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy.
What if my crab mixture is too dry?
If your mixture feels too dry, you can add a touch more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to moisten it. Just be cautious not to add too much; a little bit goes a long way in maintaining that delicious crab flavor while keeping the patties firm.
Are Maryland Style Crab Cakes safe for people with shellfish allergies?
No, they are not! Maryland Style Crab Cakes contain crab, which is a shellfish. If anyone has a shellfish allergy, it’s best to avoid this dish altogether. You can explore alternative recipes that cater to different dietary needs.
Delicious Maryland Style Crab Cakes You’ll Love to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by using a food processor to grind the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, eggs, minced green onion, Old Bay seasoning, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
- Using an ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into 8 large patties.
- Allow the formed patties to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Carefully place the crab patties in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the crab cakes for 10-15 minutes per side.
- For air frying, set your air fryer to 370°F and cook the crab cakes for about 10 minutes.