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Authentic Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes: Clara's Classic Recipe


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  • Total Time: 50 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 6 crab cakes 1x
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Clara's classic recipe for authentic Baltimore-style crab cakes, featuring sweet lump crab meat with minimal filler and pan-fried to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

1 large egg
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 lb lump crab meat
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, for garnish


Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, gently whisk together the large egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined.
Step 2: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Step 3: Add the lump crab meat and breadcrumbs to the wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold the ingredients together. The goal is just to combine them without breaking up the crab lumps. Don't overmix!
Step 4: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and gently shape them into patties, about 1-inch thick. Avoid pressing too firmly.
Step 5: Place the formed crab cakes on a plate, cover loosely, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is vital as it helps the cakes firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
Step 6: Heat the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted and lightly bubbling.
Step 7: Carefully place the chilled crab cakes into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Notes

For a lighter version, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or air-fry at 370°F (188°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping once. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite tartar or remoulade sauce.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 crab cake
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg