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Easy Baked Crab Cakes

Featured in Snacks and bites for hungry moments.

These oven-baked crab cakes are a healthier twist on the classic fried version. The flavorful crab meat is lightly seasoned, highlighting fresh herbs and spices. Baking delivers a golden crust while keeping the inside tender. Panko crumbs make them extra crispy, while mayonnaise and mustard bind everything beautifully. The creamy, mildly spiced sauce rounds out the dish perfectly. Ideal for impressing guests with minimal effort!
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:36:30 GMT
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Oven-Baked Crab Cakes | Tastyhush.com

Discover these elegant baked crab cakes that bring the ocean's finest flavors to your table. This lighter version maintains all the delicate sweetness of fresh crab meat while achieving a perfectly crispy exterior through gentle oven baking.

Key Ingredients

  • Lump crab meat: Choose whole pieces over shredded
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Essential for the perfect crispy coating
  • Homemade mayonnaise: Binds ingredients while adding richness
  • Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tangy kick
  • Old Bay seasoning: The classic seafood spice blend
  • Fresh egg: Helps hold everything together
  • Fresh parsley: Adds color and fresh flavor
  • Lemon: Brightens all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crab
    • Check thoroughly for shell pieces
    • Drain excess moisture
    • Handle gently to keep lumps intact
    • Pat lightly with paper towels
  2. Mix Components
    • Combine mayonnaise and mustard
    • Add seasonings and herbs
    • Incorporate beaten egg and lemon juice
    • Fold in panko while preserving crab pieces
  3. Form Cakes
    • Shape into uniform portions
    • Gently flatten without compressing
    • Arrange on lined baking sheet
    • Chill 20 minutes to set
  4. Bake to Perfection
    • Heat oven to 400°F
    • Brush lightly with olive oil
    • Bake 12-15 minutes, flipping once
    • Watch for golden brown color

Storage Tips

Keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fresh herb salad, light remoulade sauce, or classic aioli.

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Easy Baked Crab Cakes Recipe | Tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these crab cakes ahead of time?
Sure! Shape them and store in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
→ What kind of crab is best?
King crab or brown crab works great. Avoid imitation crab.
→ Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months. Cook them straight from frozen.
→ What's the best way to reheat them?
Pop them in the oven at 320°F for about 5–10 minutes to keep them crispy.
→ What side dishes go well with crab cakes?
Serve with a fresh green salad, lemon wedges, or fennel slaw.

Crispy Crab Cakes

Homemade baked crab cakes with a crispy texture, full of flavor, and paired with a tangy mustard-cream sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (8-10 patties)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Sauce

01 1/4 cup of mayo
02 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
03 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
04 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional)
05 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ For the Crab Cakes

06 1 pound (450g) of fresh crab meat, crumbled
07 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
08 1/4 cup mayonnaise
09 1 large egg
10 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
12 1 teaspoon garlic powder
13 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
14 1 tablespoon lemon juice
15 Salt and pepper to your liking
16 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly coat it with oil.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayo, egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay, garlic powder, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to mash up the crab meat too much.

Step 03

Using your hands, shape 8-10 small patties from the mixture. Place them on the prepared baking tray.

Step 04

Bake the patties for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. Want more crunch? Pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking.

Step 05

While the patties are baking, mix the mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and (if you want) hot sauce in a small bowl. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Notes

  1. You can make the crab cakes ahead and reheat them later.
  2. Use high-quality crab meat for the best flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Large bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish
  • Eggs
  • Gluten (breadcrumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 15 g