Description

Craving that restaurant-style seafood without leaving home? These Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes are crispy, flavorful, and loaded with juicy lump crab meat. Pan-fried to perfection with minimal filler, they’re ideal for quick dinners, entertaining, or a savory snack. This easy recipe brings bold, coastal flavor to your table and fits right into your favorite food ideas — whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, seafood snack, or quick appetizer. It’s comfort food made elegant and effortless.

Ingredients

1 lb lump crab meat

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 large egg

2 tbsp green onion, chopped

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, gently fold together the crab meat, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, egg, green onion, and lemon juice until just combined.

2. Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into 6–8 equal-sized crab cakes, about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick.

3. Place crab cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes to help them hold shape.

4. Heat oil in a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.

5. Add the chilled crab cakes and pan-fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.

6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce.

Notes

Chill the crab cakes before frying to prevent them from falling apart.

Avoid overmixing the crab meat to preserve its texture.

Use a fish spatula to flip the cakes gently and prevent breakage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: American, Seafood

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 crab cake
Calories: 195
Sugar: 0.7
Sodium: 420
Fat: 13
Saturated Fat: 2
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 12
Cholesterol: 60