Description
Golden, cheesy crab cakes with a crisp exterior, tender centers, and a bright lemon butter drizzle.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp fine salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp neutral oil, for pan-frying
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, gently fold together crab meat, cheddar, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Add 1 tbsp neutral oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat evenly.
- Portion the mixture into 10 to 12 patties, about 3 inches wide, and press lightly to shape.
- Pan-fry the crab cakes in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, adding the remaining oil as needed.
- For the drizzle, melt 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan, whisk in lemon juice, simmer 30 seconds, then stir in parsley. Off heat, whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup butter until silky.
- Plate the crab cakes and spoon the warm lemon butter over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chill shaped patties for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together.
- Use a fish spatula for gentle flipping to keep cakes intact.
- Reheat leftovers in a lightly oiled skillet to revive crisp edges.
- Freeze on a sheet tray until firm, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crab cake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: cheddar bay crab cakes, lemon butter drizzle, seafood appetizer, cheesy crab cakes, easy crab cakes, weeknight dinner