Chef John's Crab Cakes

These are what crab cakes are supposed to be like. They are basically a fried lump of crabmeat, held together with a minimum of filler. Delicious!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 8 mins
• Total Time: 23 mins
• Calories: 297 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons butter
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup dry bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (Optional)
• ½ teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
• 8 saltine crackers, finely crushed
• 1 pound fresh crabmeat, well drained

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix saltine crackers, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, seafood seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.

Step 2

Stir in crabmeat until mixture is combined but still chunky. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 3

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on a plate.

Step 4

Shape chilled crab mixture into 4 small thick patties; coat completely with bread crumbs.

Step 5

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-heat; cook crab cakes until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.