Take a traditional Maryland dish to the next level with this delicious summertime sandwich. Crab Cake Sandwiches are just the right amount of filling, taste great, and are surprisingly easy to make.
When it comes to high-end restaurants, I’ve had some really amazing crab cakes. As a result, the “crab cake standard” has been set pretty high. It’s the crab cake in this recipe that really shines, and it’s even better than the best.
The fact that its served on a toasty brioche bun with the perfect assortment of toppings is bonus!
Crab cake sandwiches are an iconic seafood staple that can be found on menus across the country. These delicious sandwiches feature crispy fried crab cakes layered between two slices of bread and loaded with delicious toppings and fillings. But what exactly should you put on a crab cake sandwich to take it to the next level?
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk through the key components of crab cake sandwich toppings and fillings so you can build the perfect sandwich every time
The Main Attraction: The Crab Cake
The star of the show in any crab cake sandwich is of course, the crab cake itself. Crab cakes are made from lump or jumbo lump crab meat combined with binders like breadcrumbs or crackers, spices and other seasonings. The crab meat should be the focus, with just enough binder to hold the cakes together when fried.
When making your own crab cakes for sandwiches, opt for jumbo lump or lump crab meat over minced or claw meat, which can make cakes mushy. Mix the crab gently to keep the chunks intact. Chill the cakes before frying so they hold their shape.
Fry the crab cakes in oil until golden brown and crisp. Shallow fry them in a skillet or deep fry for extra crunch. Cook 4-6 minutes per side. The crab cakes should have a delicious, seafood flavor accented by spices like Old Bay seasoning.
Essential Fillings: Lettuce and Tomato
Two classic sandwich fillings are must-haves on a crab cake sandwich:
Crisp Lettuce
Cool, crisp lettuce provides texture contrast and freshness. Leaf lettuce varieties like romaine, green leaf, or butter lettuce work well. Red lettuce can add color. Shredded lettuce gives more coverage.
Juicy Tomato
Sliced tomato is a given for its sweet bite. Beefsteak, roma, and heirloom tomatoes all pair nicely. Try sun-dried tomato for a more concentrated flavor.
Along with the crab cake, lettuce and tomato make up the essential framework of the sandwich.
Sauce Options: Enhance the Flavor
Sauce or condiments are key for adding moisture and flavor enhancement to crab cake sandwiches:
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Tartar Sauce – This creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, pickles, and herbs is a classic choice.
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Cocktail Sauce – For a spicy twist, use tomato-based cocktail sauce punched up with horseradish.
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Remoulade – Remoulade has a mayonnaise base with lemon, capers, herbs, and creole mustard.
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Aiolis – Whip up garlic aioli, sriracha aioli, or herb aioli for flavorful options.
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Tzatziki – Cool cucumber tzatziki sauce puts a Greek spin on the sandwich.
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Mango Salsa – For sweetness, use fresh mango salsa.
Drizzle the sauce directly onto the bun or let it double as a dip for the sandwich.
Produce Picks: Crunchy Add-Ons
Beyond lettuce and tomato, additional fresh produce can provide crunch, moisture, and brightness:
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Onion – Sliced red or white onion gives a punch of flavor.
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Radish – Thinly sliced radishes add peppery crunch.
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Cucumber – Cooling cucumber slices work well in lieu of tomato.
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Spinach – Swap out lettuce for mineral-rich spinach leaves.
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Sprouts – Alfalfa or clover sprouts contribute texture and nuttiness.
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Pickles – Dill pickle chips perk everything up with vinegar tang.
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Peppers – Jalapeños bring heat while bell peppers add sweetness.
Cheese and Herbs: For More Depth
Melty cheese and fresh herbs are stellar additions for even more flavor and complexity:
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Cheddar – Sharp cheddar adds creamy, salty flavor.
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Pepper Jack – Pepper jack spice gives a kick.
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Provolone – Nutty, mellow provolone is an Italian choice.
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Parmesan – Grated parmesan infuses cheesy umami.
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Feta – Briny feta crumbles pair wonderfully.
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Cilantro – Bright cilantro leaves give freshness.
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Parsley – Italian parsley has a touch of sweetness.
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Basil – Basil provides notes of anise and mint.
Hearty Extras: For More Substance
If you want to turn your crab cake sandwich into a meal, incorporate hearty add-ons:
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Avocado – Creamy avocado slices act like a condiment.
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Bacon – Crisp bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch.
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Fried Egg – A fried egg makes it a crab cake benedict!
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Pulled Pork – Shredded barbecue pork is delicious.
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Black Beans – Protein-packed black beans work nicely.
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Coleslaw – Vinegary coleslaw cools it down.
With extras like these, you have a dish substantial enough for lunch or dinner, not just an appetizer.
Buns and Breads: The Foundation
And let’s not forget the all-important base of the sandwich – the bun or bread! Buns should be soft and sturdy enough to hold the hefty crab cake and toppings without getting soggy. Great options include:
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Brioche Buns – Sweet, eggy brioche perfectly complements the crab.
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Potato Rolls – Fluffy potato rolls are classic.
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Hawaiian Rolls – Hawaiian rolls lend pillowy softness.
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Sourdough Bread – Sourdough provides tang and chew.
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Ciabatta – Sturdy ciabatta stands up well.
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Pretzel Buns – Pretzel buns add crunchy flavor.
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Bagels – Toasted bagel halves offer density and chew.
Choose a base with flavor and texture to complement the crab cake star.
Putting It All Together
Now that you’re armed with topping and filling ideas galore, it’s time to assemble your perfect crab cake sandwich.
Start with the bun base, spreading sauce or condiments onto both halves. Add crisp lettuce leaves and juicy tomato slices for essential moisture and freshness.
Layer on any additional veggies you desire like pickles, onion, or radish. Grilled, sauteed, or raw all work.
Top with the hot, golden crab cake, seasoned generously with Old Bay or other spices.
Consider extras like cheese, bacon, egg or hearty add-ins if you want more heft.
Finally, finish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro or basil. Their flavors really sing against the richness of the crab.
Press the top bun onto the stack of fillings. If desired, insert a frilly toothpick to keep the generous layers secured together.
Now you have a stellar crab cake sandwich layered with delicious flavors, textures, colors and nutrition. Alternate bites of hot crab cake and cool toppings for the perfect meal any time of year.
With this guide’s topping ideas, you can create endless crab cake sandwich combinations to suit any craving or occasion. Serve crab cake sandwiches for parties, game day buffets, beach picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Experiment with different fillings, have fun mixing and matching components, and soon these sandwiches will become a favorite recipe you make again and again. Just follow this handy reference next time you’re building the ultimate crab cake sandwich.
Why This Recipe Works
This crab cake sandwich recipe is faster, easier, and more foolproof than other recipes. We don’t like the other guys’ recipes because they use too many ingredients that aren’t needed, which makes the preparation time longer. No, thanks.
For our recipe, we picked only a handful of the best ingredients. These ingredients are easy to work with, add tons of flavor, and dont require that extra prep time.
Cooking the crab cakes on the stovetop can also be difficult. If you dont get the flip just right, your filling will not stay together, and everything will crumble. And we are not shooting for a deconstructed crab cake here. A foolproof crab cake mix and more instruction are required for a novice cook — weve got you.
Our chill time, crab cake mix, and flipping hack, which we’ll talk about next, will make sure your cakes are perfectly cooked.
There is a lot of jumbo lump crab meat in these sandwiches, like in a Maryland-style crab cake. Old Bay Seasoning, fresh pimientos, grated Parmesan, and the citrus burst of a lemon give them extra flavor.
Heres What Youll Need:
- Crab meat
- Parmesan
- Breadcrumbs
- Mayonnaise
- Green onions
- Egg
- Pimientos
- Parsley
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice and zest
- Avocado or canola oil
- Brioche buns
Large lump crab meat is by far the best for crab cakes, but it can be pricey. If you are on a budget, lump crab meat is also a good option. Do not eat crab meat that has been minced, like “backfin,” “special,” or “claw meat,” which is often sold in aluminum cans. They do have their time to shine, like in our crab dip, but thats not today.
How to Make Crab Cakes Sandwiches
Prep Crab Cake Filling | Combine all of the crab cake ingredients in a large bowl. Gently fold the mix together, especially if youre using jumbo lump crab for your crab cake sandwiches. You dont want to break up the crab too much!.
Assemble Crab Cake Filling | Divide the crab mix into quarters and form into ½” thick patties.
Chill | Transfer to a plate or flat surface and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the cakes time to firm, so they hold up when it comes to flipping time later.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the crab patties after they have been chilled. When adding the crab cakes to the pan, be careful not to crowd or move them around. Do this in batches if you need to. Cook for three to four minutes on each side. They are safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Flipping Tip: To keep the crab cake in place, press the back of the fork tongs against the edge of it. Next, put your thinnest, widest, and bendiest spatula under the cake. Once the whole thing rests on the spatula, flip it!.
- As you work, put the cooked crab cakes on a cooling rack instead of a plate so they don’t stick together. A rack is better than a plate covered in paper towels because it lets air flow under the crab cakes, which keeps them from getting too steamy and soggy.
Serve: Put the fish on a toasted Brioche bun with butter and a thick layer of mayonnaise or tartar sauce. Add crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices on top.
Want to make a fancy seafood dinner at home? Try our easy crab-stuffed salmon for your next home date night. Like this recipe, it also uses jumbo lump crab meat.
Delicious Crab Cakes – 2 Ways! | Crab Cake Sandwich
FAQ
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