Description
Craving a coastal classic with crispy edges and sweet, tender crab meat inside? These Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes are pan-fried to golden perfection and pack that iconic seafood restaurant flavor right in your kitchen. Perfect for an easy dinner, special occasion, or appetizer spread, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal filler. Great for seafood lovers and those looking for new dinner ideas or easy recipes that taste gourmet. Pair with lemon wedges and a creamy dipping sauce, and enjoy a quick, elegant, and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
1 pound lump crab meat
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning.
2. Gently fold in the crab meat and breadcrumbs, keeping the crab pieces as intact as possible.
3. Stir in fresh parsley, then form into patties using about 1/2 cup of mixture per cake.
4. Chill the crab cakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Add the crab cakes and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges and optional dipping sauce.
Notes
Use refrigerated fresh lump crab meat for best texture and flavor.
For a healthier version, bake at 400°F for 12–14 minutes instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crab cake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy dinner, seafood, crab cake, copycat recipe