Crab Cake Recipe

Time1h 5m
Serves3

lump crab, breadcrumb crust, lemon cream, arugula & grapefruit

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Ingredients

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Crab Cakes

Breadcrumb Crust / Coating

Method

Crab Cakes

1

Prepare crab mixture

Gently pick through 1 lb lump crab meat to remove any shells and large cartilage pieces. In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 finely minced shallot, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp Old Bay, 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Fold in the crab meat gently with a rubber spatula, taking care to keep lumps intact. Mix just until combined.

2

Portion and chill

Form the mixture into 6 crab cakes (about 3 oz / 85 g each) using an ice cream scoop or measuring cup. Place cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to firm up (this helps them hold shape during cooking).

Breadcrumb Crust / Pan-Fry

3

Prepare panko

Combine 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter in a shallow dish and toss to coat evenly. This will brown nicely in the pan.

4

Coat cakes

Lightly press each chilled crab cake into the panko mixture to coat both top and bottom (you can also brush the outside lightly with a touch of mayonnaise to help adhesion if needed). Shake off excess.

5

Pan-fry

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil. When shimmering, add crab cakes (work in batches if necessary) and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown and crisp and internal temperature reaches 145°F (about 63°C). Adjust heat if they brown too quickly. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate and keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) if cooking in batches.

Lemon Cream

6

Whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill until ready to plate. If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in 1–2 tsp water or milk to loosen.

Salad & Garnish

7

In a mixing bowl toss 3 cups baby arugula with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/8 tsp sea salt, and the grapefruit segments. Taste and adjust acid or salt. Divide greens between serving plates.

8

Garnish the salads with optional microgreens or minced chives and reserve lemon wedges for serving.

Assembly / Serve

9

Place two warm crab cakes on each plated bed of arugula and grapefruit. Drizzle or dot the lemon cream around and over the cakes (about 1–1.5 tbsp per cake). Finish with a light dusting of reserved lemon zest and an extra sprinkle of panko if you like additional crunch. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.