Crispy Maryland-Style Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce
Golden, crispy, and packed with rich seafood flavor, these Crispy Maryland-Style Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce are a classic coastal favorite perfect for any seafood lover. Made with tender crab meat, savory seasonings, and a crunchy golden crust, these homemade crab cakes pair perfectly with creamy tartar sauce for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
- For the Crab Cakes:
- 1 lb fresh lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or crushed saltine crackers, Maryland-style)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (classic Maryland spice blend)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
- For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp dill pickles (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp capers (optional, for briny flavor)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Crab Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayo, egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly to avoid breaking up crab lumps.
- Form Patties: Shape into 8 patties, about 3 inches wide. Place on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cook Crab Cakes: Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry crab cakes 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare Tartar Sauce: Mix all tartar sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill until serving.