Description
These Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are flavorful, tender crab cakes packed with lump crab meat, sharp cheddar cheese, and a subtle hint of Old Bay seasoning. Crisply pan-fried to golden perfection and finished with a zesty lemon butter drizzle, they make a perfect appetizer or main course that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Cakes
- 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (or Cheddar Bay biscuit mix)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter or oil, for frying
Lemon Butter Drizzle
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Mix the crab cake ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed butter crackers, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix carefully to keep the crab meat in large pieces for the best texture.
- Form the crab cakes: Shape the mixture into 8 to 10 small patties, pressing gently to ensure they hold their shape but remain tender.
- Cook the crab cakes: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes in batches, frying for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they achieve a golden brown color and are cooked through.
- Prepare the lemon butter drizzle: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Serve: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the warm crab cakes just before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- For best results, pick over the crab meat carefully to remove any shells.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor in both the crab cakes and drizzle.
- Butter crackers add a nice buttery crunch but Cheddar Bay biscuit mix can be used as a flavorful alternative.
- Cook crab cakes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even browning.
- These crab cakes can be served with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
