Making crabcakes with my recipe is really easy and makes any night into a special occasion. Whether you pan fry them or broil them your family is sure to love them.
You can make restaurant-style crabcakes in your own home with my World Famous Crabcake Recipe. Not only will you amaze your friends with this delicious and easy recipe, you’ll be able to bring the taste of the Eastern Shore to your table whenever you like.
Over the years I have made more crabcakes than I care to remember, I’ve used claw, special, lump, jumbo lump and a mixture of two or more types of crab meat. It all depends on what I could charge for the crabcakes and what was available in the markets.
At home my crabcake of choice is usually made with claw, its got a lot of flavor and is the least expensive type of crab meat to buy. The only problem with claw or any crabmeat for that matter is finding a wild caught product from U.S. waters or the gulf down to South America. If you buy crabmeat from other any waters, let the buyer beware!!
Lately, I’ve been able to find pasteurized crabmeat from the Gulf of Mexico in my Sam’s Club store. It’s a lot better alternative to crabmeat from other regions of the world. Not only does this taste like the crabmeat we are used to, it’s also more trustworthy.
My recipe for crab cakes is pretty simple, it uses my standard imperial sauce as the binder with just enough breadcrumbs to bind them. You can also eliminate the breading step and broil these beauties and they are every bit as good, without the added calories of frying them.
If you’ve tried my crabcake recipe or any other recipe on askchefdennis.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram @chefdenniseats and @chefdennistravels, Twitter and Facebook.
Making crabcakes with my recipe is really easy and makes any night into a special occasion. Whether you pan fry them or broil them your family is sure to love them.
- 1 lb crab meat jumbo lump, lump or claw, wild caught
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley
- 1 tablespoon roasted red peppers or fresh red peppers finely chopped finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon onions finely chopped
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup Hellman’s Mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice
- Mix crab meat, chopped parsley, onion, and peppers together. Gently mix them do not break up lump crabmeat.
- In another bowl add the mayonnaise, and egg and mix together, then add the sugar, Old Bay, Worcestershire and lemon juice, mix well.
- Add the imperial sauce to the crabmeat and mix together gently, add the bread crumbs and work them into the mixture.
- Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, the bread crumbs will soak up any extra liquid so you can easily form the crab cakes
- Divide the crabmeat mixture into 8 small or 4 large crabcake
- If you are frying the crab cakes, lightly coat the crabcake in panko bread crumbs, and sauté in olive oil until golden brown on both sides. Place in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
**If you are broiling the crab cakes, place them directly into a baking dish with a little bit of water in the dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. (when I broiled them at the restaurant they got a little butter on the top of each before baking)
kitchenarian says
These crabcakes are beautiful. Thanks for all the information on the foodie sites. I definitely need to check them out.
Cassie @ Bake Your Day says
So mouthwatering! We have been eating crab cakes a lot lately, perfect for this weather and your sauce sounds so wonderful!
janet@cupcakestocaviar says
Dennis, you should come cook for me. I'm a poor pitiful put upon stay at home mom who needs food and these look delicious. 😛
Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says
I adore crab cakes and keeping them simple is a great rule of thumb. I made some last weekend with a green godess dressing that was very tasty. Happy Wednesday!!
Torviewtoronto says
these crab cakes are making me want to make some soon delicious looking presentation Dennis
thank you for the tips and post
regards
Christine's Pantry says
I was thinking about making crab cakes today, but didn't have all the ingredients, and didn't make it to the store. Seeing your recipe, makes me want to go to the store. I'm going to try your recipe. Looks wonderful! Yummy!
Nancy says
Hi Chef Dennis!!
It has been WAY too long since I have stopped by but I am so glad that I did! These crab cakes are gorgeous and if I am not mistaken I "think" I see some of your beloved zucchini blossoms in the photo!!
The sites you posted are new to me and I can't wait to check them out – thank you so much for sharing them with us all!!
Kathleen says
Hey Chef Dennis! Your crab cakes look and sound fabulous!! I just started following your blog. Nice to meet you 🙂
Baking Serendipity says
Crabcakes are one of my mom's favorites. This recipe reminded me of her! And, thanks for the link line-up. Some I'm unfamiliar with. Will definitely have to check them out in my extra time this summer 🙂
Rebecca from Chow and Chatter says
great crab cake recipe and your right so hard to get wild caught from US waters
Amy's Cooking Adventures says
Thank you so much for the wonderful resources, Chef Dennis – I'm checking them out now! (and your crab cakes make me want to forget that I don't care for seafood – and that's saying something!)
Ann says
I am deathly allergic to crab, but – believe it or not – I've made a decent chicken crab-style cake….it was delicious! I used roasted chicken in it's place and enjoyed it very much!
Thanks for a great post and more sites to check!
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
Your crab cakes look amazing and I have never heard of Imperial Sauce, so I am looking forward to trying it. Thanks as always for your generosity in sharing your knowledge. I think we would find it hard to find a person who has not benefited in some way with all that you do.
Elin says
Chef Dennis…one action word 'drooling' 🙂 that carbcake looks good and if I can get jumbo crabmeat I would want to make the same like yours !!!! So what can I say except I am drooling and getting hungry pangs !!! Thanks for sharing the recipe and the food porn sites. Will check them out 🙂
Weather here is bad…haze caused by the fire in Borneo and Sumatra 🙁 Have a wonderful summer,
Elin
Chris's Gourmet Fashion says
I love crabcakes and yours look delicious. The touch of Worcestershire with the lemon sounds really good. Great photos too!
Krissy says
I'm spoiled rotten living just north of Baltimore…and believe me I have sampled these babies everywhere (make a pretty good one myself too). I love your recipe because it uses very little binder which in my opinion is how a crab cake should be- MOSTLY CRAB! The old bay is a must : ) Your photo is gorgeous and I can't wait to give your recipe a try, thanks for sharing!
Tina @flourtrader says
Great information here. Also, I have save this recipe, I will need to splurge and find someplace that offers fresh crab. The thought of using canned is not such a good thought. Have a great rest of the week!
Asian-spice mix says
Agreed !! your crab cakes sound delish and mouthwatering ,Yum,,,can't wait to try this recipe, i will save this recipe as well 🙂
Jill Colonna says
No wonder your crabcakes are famous – they look incredible! Thanks for sharing the list of sites. One of these days I'm going to have to look into them and get with it to do it properly. As you say, there are not enough hours.
Asian-spice mix says
and i'm new follower now 🙂
Boulder Locaovre says
Love the crab cakes Dennis! Great post on all the food sites and good advice on 'find your niche'. I find it can take as long to post one's blog to all the communities after it's up than writing it in the first place. I agree to find where you feel you fit and get the most bang for the traffic buck are great strategies.
Rosemary says
Were those squash blossoms I spied? I can't believe you've waited this long to share these crabcakes! I watched a whole Tyler's Ultimate on crabcakes and I think you got all he looked at beat — hands down.
Another intersting site is Pinterest — just learning about it, but very intriguing.
Alina---Explora Cuisine says
Looks delicious Dennis! I never made crab cakes, but I love their taste, I don't know why I haven't thought about making them 🙂 Hope you're having a great week!
Joanne says
People tend to be pretty picky about their crab cakes, but yours sound like a winning recipe! Simple and delicious.
Jenn says
I adore a good crab cake, and yours, of course, look amazing!! Been looking for an imperial sauce recipe too! Thanks!!
Sandra says
This recipe truly makes me want to give crab another shot! Love your suggestion about not spreading ourselves too thin. You always give us a coomon sense reality check.
Pretend Chef says
Your crab cakes transported me back to a pier in Oregon. Sigh. This is a recipe I need to try so I can be transported back any time I wish. These look amazing. Can't wait to check out these new sites. Thank you.
Mari says
Chef Dennis, from what I see you make the best crabcakes. I am so disappointed I can't taste it.
Thanks for the recipe 🙂
RavieNomNoms says
Dennis! I am in love with crab cakes! They are seriously one of my most favorite things to eat in the entire world. Yours look phenomenal!!!
FOODalogue says
Lovely crabcakes…spotlighting the crab not the filler!
Love the links you supply and your advice to beware of participating in all is one readers should take to heart. I know! 🙁 It can be time-sucking. Finding a niche is a good idea.
Adora's Box says
I always leave More than a Mountfull both hungry and full: hungry for the food on the recipe feature and full with extra knowledge. I can't tell you enough how much I love crab and all those crab parts and descriptions made my heart ache because there are not enough good quality crabs around here. Thanks for sharing those new sites. My photos usually get rejected by the popular ones. Never mind.
Big Dude says
They sound awesome and will be tried here soon.
Parsley Sage says
I'm forwarding this hot recipe to my crab-fiend Pennsylvania friends who will knock an old lady over for a good crab cake. Awesome dish. Thanks for the foodie site info too 🙂 Gonna go investigate!
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family says
Those look wonderful. It can be difficult to find a good crab cake, so making it at home is a wonderful solution.
Thanks for putting the information out there about where to purchase seafood…I don't think enough people know about the dangers.
I have to line up babysitting for my 2 year old, but I think I will be at the Asheville Food and Wine Festival, hope to see you there.
Pacheco Patty says
Hi Chef Dennis,
I should make my husband a happy guy and make him crab cakes for dinner! Thanks for the food site info, there sure are a lot of creative sites out there in cyber land.
Hey, did I see a few zucchini blossoms on the side of those crab cakes? Hope you're enjoying/relaxing this summer;-)
mangiabella says
LOL that's right, a happy wife=a happy wife…so they say….these crab cakes look flawless! I haven't had crab cakes in soooooo long, and my husband would love this, I truly MUST make this for him soon…and those are some lovely squash blossoms in that photo, brought a smile to my face, have a wonderful rest of the week friend
Carolyn says
The crabcakes look fantastic, but I would expect nothing less of you! But do I spy your love, your precious zucchini blossoms in the background? I have a TON growing in my garden and I always think of you when I see them. I keep planning on picking some and frying them up.
There are now so many foodie sites, I can barely keep up. I have to pick and choose what I submit to, because I only have so much time in the day!
Roxana GreenGirl says
Hello Chef,
the crab cakes look fantastic.love that zucchini flowers and the salad too!
thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
mom in rome says
this looks awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Toa says
That crabcakes looks superb chef. I haven't had crabcakes in a long time and now craving for it.
Hester Casey - Alchemy says
Dennis, this is just what I want when I order crabcakes from a menu, and it is so rarely delivered. Do you do takeout? 🙂
BonnieBanters says
Love this classic recipe for crabcakes and that your recipe is all about the crab! The sauce sounds like a delicious classic also. Hellman's is my mayo of choice…I use light…would that be good in this recipe?
Unless I missed something, how much onion (and would green onion be good)
do you use in the crabcakes?
Thanks! Bonnie
Gloria says
MOG Dennis!! I love crabcakes! and these look delicious, huggs, gloria
Lilly says
OH wow what a great crabcake recipe. My hubby loves crabcake and I never got to make it for him. Will try your recipe next time I'm in the States. He will be so impressed!
Susie Bee on Maui says
Excellent recipe! Thanks for the broiling option too 😉 I'll be checking out the sites you listed. Here is another one I just found this week: verygoodrecipes.com
Kate @ Kate from Scratch says
Fabulous recipe. You make it seem so easy!
The Culinary Lens says
Wonderful recipe. I was thinking about what you said about splurging. I sometimes am in a store and hesitating about buying an expensive food item I say to myself"how much could I sell this for at work?" and that makes it alright LOL
a. maren says
oo i am excited about anything you post prefaced with "My famous…"! and if that food happens to involve crab, well, i am sold. these look fantastic, can't wait to give them a try.
A Thought For Food says
I'm a sucker for crabcakes and boy do these look good!
kita says
I scanned looking for it – and there it was Old Bay! You can't be from this neck of the woods and not consider that a staple to any crab cake recipe! These look great Chef!
And way to go on making me have like 99 tabs open at once checking out all these sites! Now I just sit back and wait for the internet to crash 😉
Blackswan says
Love everything thing here, Dennis! I love crab cakes & these look awesome! Must be delicious since they're from Chef Dennis. Yipee!
Oh, won't u go crazy over my latest Angry Birds Collection @ Angry Birds Onigiri Lunch Box (Part II)!
Kim Bee says
Great post as always. Could you teach my hubby that little nugget, he seems to forget that every now and then. I love the Ask Chef Dennis series. I sit up at night and try to read the ones I missed before I found your site. Helps me so much. Hope you know the foodie community appreciates you. Kim
The Harried Cook says
I can't tell you how much I love crabcakes! I must make these… and soon! Thanks for sharing your recipe, Chef Dennis… and those sites are really useful! Can't wait to check them all out! Thanks for another fabulous guest post! 🙂
Jennifer @ eatyourvegetable says
You know, I've never had a crabcake. Looking at your pictures, I suddenly feel like I've been missing out!
Tina @flourtrader says
Congrats on top nine!
Linda says
These crabcakes look absolutely delicious. I love your recipe and I am going to make them this weekend!
Becky says
I love crab cakes, but is not easy to get fresh crab, here in the burbs. Your crab cakes look amazing, especially with the zucchini blossoms in the back.)
Peggy says
I love a good crabcake! This sounds outstanding Dennis and I'll definitely be trying it soon =)
Love all the links to the new food sites, and I have to say, I really love the layout of the Kitchen Artistry site too =)
Laural @ Being Healthier says
Just found your blog. Awesome! I'm going to add you to my page so I can keep up with you. Love "If Mama ain't happy, Ain't nobody happy"… I hear that on the Duke's commercials all the time around here. Are you in Asheville? I'm going to snoop around your site some more! Great Crabcake recipe- thanks for sharing!
Heather says
My husband will love these—thank you for posting this deliciousness!
Kate@Diethood says
Last time I had fresh crab was years ago on the East Coast…loved it! If I ever find fresh crab meat, I am going to use your recipe, and that sauce, of course!
cajunlicious says
Your crabcakes look delish! Congrats on being number 1 on fb!
Sarah @ Sarah's Modern Bites says
Hi there! Beautiful photos! For some reason I have avoided attempting crab cakes though I crave them like mad! Perhaps it is because of all the ingredients and the possibility of an epic fail haha. Yours look divine and relatively simple… I am confident your recipe won't let me down! I'm thinking of these for Sunday night. I'll let you know if I attempt them and how they turn out! Thanks for the inspiration!
Authenticoriyafood says
Beautiful and delicious looking crabcakes!!! Crab cakes or crab vadas also happen to be a part of indian cusine….
Cheap Ethnic Eatz says
For me eating a crab cake…a good one, is a rare treat. Not by the water so not common local food. But it is so delicious. Love the lighter version to bake!
tanja says
I LOVE crabcakes, and yours looks fantastic! This photo makes my mouth water :)…
Congrats on today's Top 1 on Foodbuzz!!!
Caroline says
thought I didn't have to go out this weekend but now you got me thinking about crabcakes and my taste buds are waiting for these. They sound so zingy.
Maureen says
How did you know it's mud crab season and we put our pots out back 2 days ago. So far we've only caught girls (not legal to keep girls) but the boys are in that water, I know they are.
As soon as we catch a couple I'm making these!!
Correen says
Incredible crab recipe! I really like the fact that the cakes are not laden with sauce…the true flavor of the crab and other ingredients are going to truly shine through!
Elisabeth says
Your crab cakes look incredible…so true, that "they are the best crab cakes!"
The photo is so "true to life"…just drooling and wishing for a bite…no, take that back, need the whole batch!
Congratulations on the well deserved Top 9 with your delicious crab cakes, Dennis:DDD
Wok with Ray says
That crabcake is mouth watering, Chef Dennis! I can almost taste the seasonings that you put in there just by looking at the photos.
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
ray
Skylar Wolfe says
Be still my heart, the crabcakes look fanfastic
Elizabeth of AsianinAmericamag says
Chef Dennis, I am honored and humbled to have the chance to tell you what a wonderful post this is. Can I just tell you that you had me at "crab cakes" ? It's a favorite of mine. I must try your recipe right away. Thanks for sharing.
Tiffany says
So many sites, so little time! 😀 Thanks for the information chef! And for the great recipe!
Marguerite says
I haven't had breakfast yet, and this scrumptious looking crab cake is calling my name! I just happen to have a pound of crab meat in the fridge and I'm going to make them NOW!! Thanks so much for another great recipe and for all the links!
Mother Rimmy says
The color of those crab cakes is just amazing, and the flaky tender crab on this inside is perfect. So often you see too much binder in a crab cake to reduce the amount of crab and make them more affordable. Lovely!
Spicie Foodie says
Hi Dennis, Your crabcakes look fantastic! I can see why they are famous. You've got my mouth watering over here. Hope you are well:)
Victoria says
I can see why your crab cakes are famous! They are simple and full of crab! I hate crab cakes that use tons of fillers and other veggies. Old Bay is also a great spice in these. Thanks for sharing!
Elyse @The Cultural Dish says
I've been looking for a great crabcake recipe so this is definitely a keeper. I know it's a bit late, but congrats on the top 9 the other day!
Erin says
Congrats on the Top 9! These crabcakes looks perfect! Who knew there were all those food sites out there. I can't keep up 🙂
Amy says
Wow! Dennis these crabcakes sound amazing and look delicious! Your photos are beautiful as well, I am loving the squash blossom and the delicious salad you also have on the plate! I appriciate that they can be broiled and need not be fried. Hope you had a wonderful weekend :)!
Amy
Gina says
How funny Chef, I was just spying this and thinking how in the heck did I miss these. Next I'd like to know how I get an invite next time they are on the menu. Hope you have a great week.
-Gina-
Lyndsey says
Now this looks like the perfect crabcake! I like the texture because it looks just right…not too big, not too little, just like baby bear like it! Yes I'm with Gina next time they are on the meanu 😀
The Mom Chef says
A few days late, but still glad I joined the party because that crab cake looks delicious. I fell in love with your Imperial sauce too. I wish we had good crab available down here!
afotogirl says
OK, I think I'm going to have to try this recipe out and see if I can expand my likes from shrimp and lobster to crab as well. 🙂
And thank you for the foodie links!
German Mama says
These crabcakes look gorgeous. I have never had crabcakes but Hubby has been asking for them several times. I have to try to find some fresh crabmeat around here.
Maranda says
These crabcakes look divine!!! I can't wait to try them!!!
Thanks for the new food porn sites!
BigBearswife says
they look incredible!!
Frank says
I can certainly see why they’re famous. They look fabulous!
George says
Yes, these are some really good crab cakes. Cheers
Chef D says
Thanks George!
FoodFlurries.com says
Yay! An awesome crabcake recipe!! Thx for sharing.
Chef D says
thanks!
Michele Guindon says
Bonjour Chef Dennis
I really need a liquid sauce ( like they would use in NOLA) that i can layer warm crab claws and have them live in the sauce till our Christmas turkey is ready! I am feverishly trying to find more of a liquid floating sauce than a dipping sauce. (Now that I have seen these crab cakes – there are basically zero to bring to the event.) I think I have been able to piece everything together – but all recipes call for red wine. HUH?! Could I not go with a nice white and not worry? Hope to hear from you before this is served lol!!
Chef Dennis Littley says
hi Michele
sadly I have never made this type of sauce so I don’t know what to tell you.
Best of luck with your dinner and Merry Christmas