Impress Your Guests with These Delectable Crab Cake Recipes

When it comes to impressing your party guests, nothing quite hits the mark like a delicious set of freshly made crab cakes. Whether it’s hosting a family gathering or having a few friends over, adding a homemade platter of these delicate seafood treats is the perfect way to satisfy their taste buds and elevate your gathering.

The great thing about making homemade crab cakes is that you can put your own twist on the classic dish. No matter your style of cooking, you’re guaranteed to find a recipe that your guests will love. We’ve gathered 10 of our favorite recipes to guide you in the right direction. Let’s get to it and seize the opportunity to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.

About Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a type of seafood-based dish made from minced crab meat and other ingredients, such as bread crumbs or cracker crumbs, mayonnaise, egg and seasonings. The crab meat is formed into patties and usually poached or pan-fried, depending on the preparation. It’s a popular appetizer or main course in many restaurants and homes, but using lighter ingredients can make these cakes a healthy yet delicious entrée.

There are several types of crab cakes, ranging from traditional to modern. The traditional version is generally made with minced crab meat, cracker crumbs, mayonnaise and seasoning; the modern version can include additions such as green peppers, bell peppers, onions, celery, garlic and even vegetable oil.

10 Delicious Crab Cake Recipes 

Classic Crab Cakes

These classic crab cakes are easy to prepare and make the perfect appetizer or main course. All you need is some crabmeat, mayonnaise, crackers, egg, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. The key is to form them into patties and then fry them until golden brown and crispy. Serve them with tartar sauce for a classic seafood delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs. crabmeat
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup cracker crumbs
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, mayonnaise, cracker crumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

2. Form the mixture into small patties.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some vegetable oil.

4. Fry the patties for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve with tartar sauce and your favorite side. 

Roasted Red Pepper and Cilantro Crab Cakes 

These roasted red pepper and cilantro cakes are a new and delicious twist on the traditional recipe. With the addition of fresh cilantro, these cakes are packed with extra flavor. Serve them with a spicy mayo for an appetizer that’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. crabmeat
• ½ cup roasted red pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs beaten
• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, red pepper, cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

3. Form the mixture into small patties.

4. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.

5. Dip each patty into the eggs, then the panko bread crumbs.

6. Place each patty on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Serve with a spicy mayo or other desired sauce. 

Baked Parmesan Crab Cakes 

For a healthier version of the classic crab cakes, try these delicious baked Parmesan ones. This recipe calls for leaner ingredients and they’re made with Parmesan cheese, adding a delicious salty and nutty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs. crabmeat
• ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Grease a baking sheet lightly.

3. In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.

4. Form the mixture into small patties.

5. Dip each patty into beaten eggs.

6. Place each patty on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Serve with your favorite sauce. 

Avocado, Lime and Cilantro Crab Cakes

These unique crab cakes have a Mexican flair, with a combination of creamy avocados, lime juice and cilantro. The addition of the avocados and lime make these cakes even creamier, adding a unique twist that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs. crabmeat
• ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Grease a baking sheet lightly.

3. In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, bread crumbs, mashed avocado, cilantro, lime juice, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

4. Form the mixture into small patties.

5. Dip each patty into beaten eggs.

6. Place each patty on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Serve with your favorite sauce.  

Asian-Style Crab Cakes 

Give an Asian twist to your crab cakes with this delicious recipe. With complex flavors and textures, these cakes are sure to have your guests coming back for more. They’re made with a combination of Asian flavors such as ginger, garlic and sesame oil, as well as crunchy water chestnuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs. crabmeat
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup diced green onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/3 cup diced water chestnuts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Grease a baking sheet lightly.

3. In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, bread crumbs, green onion, cilantro, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, water chestnuts, salt and pepper.

4. Form the mixture into small patties.

5. Dip each patty into beaten eggs.

6. Place each patty on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Serve with your favorite sauce.  

Cajun Crab Cakes

These Cajun-style crab cakes  are sure to add a kick of spice to your gathering. They’re filled with a mix of bold spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika and cilantro, as well as sweet bell peppers.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs. crabmeat
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Grease a baking sheet lightly.

3. In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, bread crumbs, bell pepper, cilantro, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.

4. Form the mixture into small patties.

5. Dip each patty into beaten eggs.