Old Bay Maryland Crab Cakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 3 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: American

Delicious Maryland-style crab cakes packed with Old Bay seasoning, perfect for seafood lovers. Crispy, golden, and flavorful, ideal for appetizers or main courses.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. crab meat
  • 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp. margarine
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped or dry parsley
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 slice white bread, crust removed and cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and shape into cakes.
  2. Deep-fry the crab cakes until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of margarine. If you don't have Old Bay seasoning, a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper can work as a substitute. Be gentle when mixing the crab meat to keep the lumps intact. Refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes before frying can help the cakes hold their shape better.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crab cakes with a side of tartar sauce or a zesty remoulade for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish, such as Shrimp And Scallops In White Sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Bay Maryland Crab Cakes contains roughly 399 calories, with 7g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

399 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.5g 15% DV
Total Fat 6.2g 8% DV
Carbs 80.4g 29% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1835.7mg 80% DV
Potassium 778.8mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 234.1mg 78% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 57.8mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 6.4mg 7% DV
Calcium 228.4mg 18% DV
Iron 4.1mg 23% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned crab meat, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh or frozen crab meat will yield the best texture and flavor, but canned is a convenient substitute if you're short on time.

How can I make these crab cakes spicy?

To add some heat, you can mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños into the crab mixture. Alternatively, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can give your crab cakes a nice kick without overpowering the crab's flavor.

What sides pair well with crab cakes?

Crab cakes are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a light salad, sweet potato fries, or a tangy coleslaw. For a heartier option, serve with a baked potato or a side of rice pilaf for a complete meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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