Description
Recreate the legendary Ruth's Chris Steak House crab cakes at home, featuring succulent jumbo lump crab meat perfectly seared and served with a bright, tangy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells (do not break up lumps)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, divided (half for cakes, half for sauce)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers, for gluten-free option)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for sauce)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for sauce)
1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine the mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, 2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Step 2: Add the jumbo lump crab meat and panko breadcrumbs to the bowl. Very gently fold the ingredients together using a rubber spatula or your hands, being careful not to break up the large crab lumps. The mixture should just come together.
Step 3: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and gently form them into patties, about 1-inch thick. Avoid pressing too firmly. Place the formed crab cakes on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and sizzling. Carefully place 4 crab cakes into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through. Repeat with the remaining crab cakes, adding more oil and butter if needed.
Step 5: While the crab cakes are cooking or immediately after, prepare the lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with a pinch of salt to taste. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve the hot crab cakes immediately, drizzled generously with the warm lemon butter sauce. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
For the most authentic Ruth's Chris experience, use the highest quality jumbo lump crab meat you can find. Handle the crab very gently to maintain the large lumps. Chilling the crab cakes is essential for them to hold their shape during cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crab cakes with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg