Maryland Crab Cakes

Ingredients

• 1 lblump crab meat$24.16
• 0.25 cupplain breadcrumbs$0.44
• 0.5 cupmayonnaise$2.32
• 2 tbspDijon mustard$0.73
• 1 eachlarge egg$1.33
• 1 tspOld Bay seasoning$0.04
• 1 tspWorcestershire sauce$0.15
• 2 tbsplemon juice$0.29
• 1 eachlemon$1.45
• 3 tbspvegetable oil$0.54
• 0.25 tspkosher salt$0.03
• 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped$0.52
• Total for 4 servings$32.00

Most of the cost is lump crab meat ($24.16) and mayonnaise ($2.32). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $27.75. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons of the mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of the Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the fresh parsley to form the remoulade; cover and refrigerate until serving.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the large egg with the remaining 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, remaining 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and kosher salt until well blended.
3. Gently fold the lump crab meat, plain breadcrumbs, and remaining 1 tablespoon fresh parsley into the egg mixture with a spatula, keeping crab lumps intact.
4. Shape the mixture gently into 8 patties about 3/4-inch thick, transfer to a plate, and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.
5. Heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 crab patties and pan-fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, crisp on the surface, and heated through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate, add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet, and fry the remaining 4 crab cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side until evenly browned and cooked through.
7. Let all crab cakes rest on the paper towels for 1 minute so excess oil drains away.
8. Serve the warm crab cakes immediately with the chilled lemon remoulade and lemon wedges on the side.