Chef John's Crab Cakes

By

"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!"

  • 4
  • 15 mins
  • 83 mins

Ingredients

  • 8 saltine crackers, finely crushed
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • salt to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 pound fresh crabmeat, well drained
  • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Preparation

Step 1

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

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

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on a plate.

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

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