Crab Cake Burger Recipe
Make Crab Cake Burger Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Crab Cake Patties
Burger Build & Sauce
Method
Crab Cake Patties
- 1
Prep crab meat
Pick through the lump crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage. Transfer crab to a large mixing bowl and break up any large lumps gently with your fingers — you want to keep some large flakes intact.
- 2
Mix binder
In a separate small bowl whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
- 3
Combine ingredients
Add the binder mixture to the bowl with crab meat. Add 1 cup panko, 3 finely chopped scallions, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until combined — avoid overworking to keep cakes tender. Mixture should hold when pressed; if too wet, add up to 2 tablespoons more panko.
- 4
Form patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). With lightly oiled hands, shape each portion into a 3–4 inch round patty about 3/4 inch thick. Place formed patties on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up (this helps them hold in the pan).
- 5
Cook patties
Heat a large nonstick or stainless pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 2 teaspoons vegetable oil. When butter is foaming, add crab cakes (do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed). Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and keep warm in a low oven if making ahead.
Burger Build & Sauce
- 6
Prepare sauce
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) and 1 teaspoon chopped capers (optional). Stir until smooth and taste — adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- 7
- 8
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce on each bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, top with a crab cake, then a slice of cheese (if using). Add a slice of tomato and a few thin red onion rings. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and place over the burger. Serve each burger with a lemon wedge alongside for squeezing over the crab cake.
- 9
Serving suggestion
Serve immediately while crab cakes are hot and buns are still slightly crisp. Offer extra sauce and hot sauce on the side. Pairs well with fries or a crisp slaw.