Use fresh lump crab instead of frying them in a frying basket. This is the best recipe for baked crab cakes. Serve them with a homemade lemon mayo sauce.
As someone who grew up in Maryland, my love for crab cakes runs deep. They are very important to me, as are all of my fresh seafood recipes. That’s why I’m so excited to give you this simple recipe!
All along the East Coast of the United States, you can find recipes for crab cakes. You can make them with lump crab meat, bread crumbs, herbs and spices, or any other mix of ingredients you like. The result is a crunchy outside that you can’t resist and a tender middle that tastes great thanks to the herbs.
The three-ingredient crab cake sauce is what makes these homemade crab cakes extra special. It gives the crab cakes a hint of sourness and brightness that will make your mouth water.
Crab cakes are a seafood lover’s delight. These tasty patties are full of sweet, succulent crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning. While you can certainly pan-fry crab cakes for a crispy, golden exterior, baking them in the oven is a healthier cooking method that yields tender, flaky cakes. But exactly how long does it take to cook crab cakes in the oven at 375°F for the best results? Grab your oven mitts and keep reading for my guide to achieving crab cake perfection!
How Long Should Crab Cakes Bake at 375°F?
The baking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your crab cakes Here are some general guidelines
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For small 2-3 inch crab cakes bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
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For larger 3-4 inch crab cakes, allow 15-18 minutes.
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Thicker crab cakes made with jumbo lump crab meat may need 18-22 minutes.
No matter what size your crab cakes are, the most important thing is to cook them until they are heated through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Tips for Baking Crab Cakes to Perfection
Follow these tips to ensure your crab cakes turn out with a crispy exterior and moist, delicious interior when baking them in the oven.
1. Use Lump Crab Meat
Lump crab meat gives crab cakes their signature chunks of sweet crab. Jumbo lump is ideal, but standard lump crab also works well. Either canned or fresh crab meat works in crab cakes. Just make sure to drain canned crab well before using.
2. Don’t Overmix the Filling
Gently fold the ingredients together rather than vigorously mixing them This prevents the crab cakes from becoming dense and helps maintain nice chunks of crab
3. Chill the Crab Cake Mixture
Refrigerating the formed crab cakes for at least 1 hour allows them to firm up so they hold their shape better during baking.
4. Use a Nonstick Pan
Baking crab cakes on a nonstick baking sheet prevents sticking. Grease the pan even if it’s nonstick for best results.
5. Brush with Oil
Right before baking, brush the tops of the chilled crab cakes lightly with oil. This helps promote browning and prevents drying out.
6. Bake Until Golden Brown
Allow the crab cakes to bake until deep golden brown on top. This color indicates they are cooked through and crispy.
7. Check Internal Temperature
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of a crab cake has reached 145°F for doneness.
8. Rest Before Serving
Let the crab cakes sit 5 minutes after removing from the oven before serving. This helps lock in the moisture.
9. Store Properly
Leftover baked crab cakes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven until hot.
More Tips for Delicious Oven-Baked Crab Cakes
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A combination of panko breadcrumbs and crushed Ritz crackers mimics the taste of frying without the fat.
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Folding in a tablespoon of mayo or Greek yogurt keeps the crab cakes moist.
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Add a hit of flavor and moisture with ingredients like lemon juice, Dijon, and green onion.
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Using part Parmesan cheese in the filling adds a tasty tang.
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Seasonings like Old Bay, paprika, oregano, and cayenne provide a flavor boost.
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Topping the crab cakes with lemon slices or a drizzle of lemon juice right when they come out of the oven keeps them from drying out.
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Serve your hot crab cakes with a tangy remoulade, cocktail, or tartar sauce for even more flavor.
Oven-Baked Crab Cakes Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Here’s my go-to recipe for tender, flaky oven-baked crab cakes every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lump crabmeat, drained well (jumbo or standard)
- 1 egg
- 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1⁄4 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
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In a large bowl, gently combine the crabmeat, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire, lemon juice, green onions, panko, crushed crackers, Parmesan, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Avoid over-mixing.
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Form the mixture into patties 3-4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
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Brush the tops of the chilled crab cakes lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Watch how easy they are to make
- This recipe for baked crab cakes is very simple and can be made in 30 minutes or less.
- Simple things you may already have in your kitchen, like lump crab, spices, herbs, cornflake crumbs, and more, are used in it.
- When you make your own lemon mayo sauce, it adds a tangy, bright flavor that makes the crab cakes taste even better.
- This dish is great for parties or just a simple family dinner. Serve it with your favorite side dishes.
- Shallot—Chopping a shallot gives the crab cakes a mild onion flavor that goes well with the other ingredients.
- Garlic Cloves: These give the crab cakes a strong garlic flavor that makes them taste better.
- You can find fresh lump crab meat at a seafood market near you or at the grocery store’s seafood counter. You can use canned crab meat for a cheaper option. For the best results, make sure that what you buy is new and of good quality.
- The mayonnaise gives the crab cakes a nice moist texture and lets the flavors mix well.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors in food and makes them taste better.
- This egg white holds everything together so they bake up right.
- Corn Flake Crumbs: These add a nice crunch to the crab cakes and help make the texture better.
- Mayonnaise – Makes up the creamy base of the sauce.
- If you add lemon juice to crab cakes, they will taste sour and fresh, which goes well with seafood.
- Salt: Makes the lemon taste better and gives the sauce more flavor.
This simple guide to salt for home cooks will teach you the basics of salt and the best salt for cooking (hint: it’s Kosher salt!).
What kind of sauce to serve with crab cakes?
The crab cakes are topped with my crab cake sauce made from just three ingredients, which makes me very happy. It’s so easy, so good, and in my opinion, totally necessary.
Crab Cakes- How I Make Them. This Time Baked.
How long do you bake crab cakes?
Place the formed crab cakes on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the crab cakes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. It’s essential to avoid overcooking them, as this can result in a dry texture.
What temperature should a crab cake be cooked at?
As a general guideline, you can bake crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. However, it is always best to follow the specific recipe instructions for accurate cooking times. What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked crab cakes?
How long does it take to cook a frozen crab cake?
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to reach this temperature before placing the crab cakes inside. The cooking time for frozen crab cakes in the oven can vary depending on their size and the brand you are using. As a general guideline, a 4-ounce crab cake will typically take around 25-30 minutes to cook fully.
How long do you cook crab cakes in a microwave?
Reheating: Place crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, topping each with a thin slice of butter. Bake them at 350°F (177°C) for 12-15 minutes. You can also microwave crab cakes in 15-second intervals until warm. These crab cakes can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.