Irresistible Baked Crab Cakes Recipe : Perfect for Any Occasion
If you're looking for a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious, Baked Crab Cakes are the answer. These golden, crispy crab cakes are packed with fresh crab meat, flavorful seasonings, and a touch of lemon zest for an added zing. Unlike traditional fried crab cakes, these are baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special occasion meal, or simply craving a delicious seafood dish, these Baked Crab Cakes are sure to impress. They’re quick and easy to make, yet they have the taste and texture of a high-end restaurant dish. Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients, including the crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
- Baking Sheet: A flat, rimmed sheet to bake the crab cakes evenly in the oven. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure out ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and spices with accuracy.
- Sharp Knife: For finely chopping herbs or any additional vegetables you'd like to include in the crab mixture.
- Spatula or Spoon: To carefully mix the crab cake ingredients and form the patties without breaking the crab meat apart too much.
- Brush: For brushing the crab cakes with olive oil before baking to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Cooling Rack (optional): If you prefer an extra crispy texture, placing the crab cakes on a cooling rack above the baking sheet will allow air circulation around them as they bake.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat fresh or canned
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko for extra crunch
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Crab Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and beaten egg. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much – you want to maintain some large lumps for texture.
- Form the Crab Cakes: Using your hands, gently form the crab mixture into 8 to 10 patties, depending on your desired size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the tops of the crab cakes lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake: Bake the crab cakes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes to get them extra crispy, if desired.
- Serve: Remove the crab cakes from the oven and serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce. They’re also great with a side of salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
To make these Baked Crab Cakes even more delicious, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor. You can also incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or tarragon into the crab mixture for a more aromatic touch. For a richer flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce for a subtle kick.