Golden Crab Cakes with Zesty Lemon Butter Recipe

Crispy golden crab cakes dance with incredible flavor in this mouthwatering recipe.

Fresh seafood brings magical moments to your kitchen adventure.

Delicate Maryland-style ingredients blend seamlessly for a remarkable dish.

Coastal culinary traditions inspire these tender seafood patties.

Zesty lemon butter creates an irresistible complement to delicate crab meat.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this classic preparation.

Savor each bite and transport yourself to a seaside restaurant experience.

Rich, Savory, and Why These Crab Cakes Are a Seafood Dream

• Quick and Easy Seafood Delight: Quickly transform simple ingredients into gourmet crab cakes with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up these crab cakes in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress dinner guests or family with a restaurant-quality dish that combines the beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavors with succulent crab meat.
• Customizable Culinary Experience: Adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings or serving with different sauces to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Crab Cakes (Cheddar Bay) Ingredients

• Crab Meat: Fresh, delicate protein that forms the core of the crab cake, best when lump or backfin for tender texture.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that enhances marine flavors, traditional in coastal cooking.

• Egg: Natural binder that helps hold the crab cake mixture together, provides structure.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredient that adds moisture and helps ingredients adhere.
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Convenient flavor enhancer that provides seasoning and light breading.

• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that adds tangy depth to the crab cake mixture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides bright, green notes and visual appeal.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle seasoning that adds aromatic background flavor.
• Paprika: Mild spice that contributes color and gentle warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and highlight other ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat for pan-frying crab cakes with golden exterior.
• Butter: Rich base for lemon sauce, provides smooth, luxurious texture.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy components that create zesty sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Final seasoning for the lemon butter drizzle.

Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Instructions

Step 1: Mixing the Magic

• Fresh crab meat
• Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
• Mayonnaise
• Egg
• Dijon mustard
• Chopped parsley
• Garlic powder
• Old Bay seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold everything together, treating the delicate crab meat with tender care to keep those beautiful chunks intact.

Step 2: Shaping Perfect Patties

Use your hands to craft 8 delectable crab cake rounds, each about the size of a small palm.

Place these beautiful medallions on a clean plate or baking sheet.

Pop them into the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help them set and hold their shape perfectly.

Step 3: Crafting Luxurious Lemon Butter

Warm up a small saucepan over medium heat.

Melt butter until it’s silky smooth, then splash in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle zesty lemon zest.

Stir the mixture lovingly, adding a tiny pinch of salt and pepper for extra zing.

Remove from heat and let it wait nearby.

Step 4: Sizzling the Crab Cakes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

When the oil is dancing and hot, carefully place your crab cakes into the pan.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Use a gentle touch when flipping to keep these delicate treasures intact.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

Transfer the golden crab cakes to a beautiful serving plate.

Just before serving, drizzle the warm, fragrant lemon butter over the top, letting it cascade down the sides of these seafood sensations.

Bonus Tip: Serve immediately for the most incredible taste and texture experience.

These crab cakes are best enjoyed fresh and hot, with the lemon butter still warm and inviting.

Seafood Tips for Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes

• Handle the mixture gently and fold ingredients carefully to keep delicate crab meat intact, avoiding excessive mixing that breaks down the texture.
• Refrigerate crab cake patties for at least 20 minutes before cooking to help them hold together and develop a crispy exterior when pan-fried.
• Use fresh lump crab meat for the best taste and texture, and don't be shy about adding extra Old Bay seasoning for a more robust seafood flavor.
• Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to ensure even browning and prevent the delicate crab cakes from sticking or falling apart during cooking.
• Keep the lemon butter sauce warm but not hot, and drizzle it just before serving to maintain its silky consistency and bright, fresh flavor.

Crab Cakes Leftover Storage

• Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm crab cakes in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to maintain crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make crab cakes soggy and compromise their texture. If needed, use low power and heat in short 30-second intervals.
• Wrap individual crab cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Crab Cakes & Lemon Butter Dish Add-Ons

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the rich crab cakes, cutting through their buttery texture with bright, citrusy notes.
• Create Tangy Slaw Side: Prepare a light coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to balance the richness of the crab cakes and provide a crunchy contrast.
• Select Sparkling Cocktail: Mix a classic gin gimlet or lemon drop martini to echo the lemon butter's citrus profile and enhance the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Serve Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Grill asparagus with olive oil and garlic to add a green vegetable side that harmonizes with the crab cakes' oceanic and cheesy characteristics.

Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle Seafood Spins

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-safe version.
• Spicy Seafood Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the crab cake mixture for those who love extra heat and want a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crispy exterior.
• Baked Lighter Alternative: Instead of pan-frying, place crab cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through for a healthier cooking method.

FAQs

• What type of crab meat works best for this recipe?

Lump or jumbo lump crab meat is ideal because it has large, tender pieces that hold the cake together without too much shredding. Fresh crab meat provides the best flavor, but high-quality canned crab can also work well.

• Can I make these crab cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crab cake mixture and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This helps the cakes firm up and makes cooking easier.

• How do I know the crab cakes are cooked properly?

Look for a golden brown exterior and an internal temperature of 145°F. The cakes should be crispy on the outside and heated through, with the edges being firm and slightly crunchy. Cooking about 3-4 minutes per side usually achieves this.

• Is Old Bay seasoning necessary for the recipe?

While Old Bay adds authentic seafood flavor, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper if needed. The seasoning helps enhance the crab’s natural taste and provides a classic seafood profile.

Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cheddar bay crab cakes shine with coastal charm, bringing restaurant-quality flavor right to home kitchens. Zesty lemon butter drizzle elevates these golden-crusted delights, promising a luxurious seafood experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) fresh crab meat (preferably lump or jumbo lump)
• 1/2 cup cheddar bay biscuit mix (like the one from Red Lobster)

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Lemon Butter Drizzle Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft the crab cake base by delicately blending fresh crab meat with the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, ensuring minimal disruption to the delicate seafood texture. Incorporate mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs and spices to create a harmonious flavor profile.
2. Tenderly shape the maritime mixture into elegant patties, maintaining a consistent size and thickness. Allow the formed cakes to rest and solidify in the refrigerator, which helps them maintain structural integrity during cooking.
3. Prepare a luxurious lemon butter sauce by gently melting butter and infusing it with bright citrus notes. Enhance the sauce with a subtle seasoning of salt and pepper to complement the crab cakes’ rich flavors.
4. Heat a skillet with olive oil, creating an ideal environment for achieving a golden, crispy exterior on the crab cakes. Carefully place the chilled patties into the pan, cooking each side methodically to develop a perfect caramelized crust.
5. Monitor the crab cakes closely, flipping them with precision to prevent breaking and ensure even cooking. The goal is a beautiful golden-brown color and a thoroughly heated interior that maintains the crab meat’s delicate texture.
6. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the crab cakes to a serving plate. Elevate the dish by drizzling the warm, citrus-infused butter sauce over the top, allowing the flavors to meld and create a truly sophisticated seafood experience.

Notes

• Gently handle crab meat to maintain large, tender chunks for a delicate texture that showcases the seafood’s natural flavor.
• Chilling the crab cake mixture helps bind ingredients and prevents falling apart during cooking, ensuring a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps the cakes moist and adds a tangy twist.
• Gluten-free diners can substitute Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs and add extra cheese for similar flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 382
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg