Mr. Crabby Patty (3) Recipe

Make the sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dill pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and chill in the refrigerator while preparing patties so flavors marry.

Combine ingredients

In a medium bowl, add ground beef, finely chopped imitation crab, diced shallot, chopped parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, beaten egg and panko. Gently mix with your hands or a fork just until combined — avoid overworking to keep patties tender.

Portion and shape

Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions (about 5.3 oz / 150 g each). Lightly form each portion into a round patty roughly 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) in diameter and about 3/4 inch thick, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent doming when cooking.

Preheat pan

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy nonstick pan over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes until hot. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.

Cook patties

Place patties in the hot skillet leaving space between them. Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and immediately reduce heat to medium. Top each patty with a slice of American cheese and cook 2–3 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and cheese melts.

Rest patties

Transfer patties to a plate and loosely tent with foil; rest for 3–5 minutes to redistribute juices.

Toast buns

While patties rest, split buns and brush cut sides lightly with softened butter. Place cut-side down on a skillet or griddle over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until golden and toasted. Remove from heat.

Assemble sandwiches

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the chilled Crabby Patty Sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place shredded lettuce and 2–3 tomato slices on the sauced bottom. Set the rested patty with melted cheese on top, add 3 pickle slices, then spread a thin layer (about 1/2 tsp) of sauce on the top bun and close the sandwich.

Serve

Serve immediately with optional fries or slaw. Each sandwich is best enjoyed hot and slightly juicy.