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 amazing summer treat that are easy to make at home. The Maryland-style crab cakes pack a flavorful punch on their own, but the toppings you choose can take them to the next level. With so many options, it can be tough to decide what to put on a crab cake sandwich. From creamy condiments to fresh vegetables and zesty seasonings, the possibilities are endless!
In this article, I’ll share 25 of my favorite crab cake sandwich toppings to inspire your next seafood meal. Whether you’re looking for classic flavor combinations or creative new ideas there’s something here for every palate. With just a few extra ingredients, you can make your crabby creation into the ultimate sandwich masterpiece. Let’s dive in!
1. Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a classic condiment that deserves a special place among all toppings for a crab cake sandwich. This creamy sauce made with pickles, capers, onions, and parsley adds a tangy kick and pairs perfectly with the sweet crabmeat. It’s like an old friend – comforting and familiar but with a bright pop of flavor.
2. Remoulade
Similar to tartar sauce, remoulade also blends mayonnaise with chopped pickles, herbs, and spices like paprika. But it has a richer, more pungent flavor that is commonly found in New Orleans cuisine. The spicy paprika infusion takes the crab cake sandwich up a notch.
3. Cole Slaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw is another traditional favorite, and its subtle sweet taste provides balance against the salty seafood. The mix of shredded cabbage and carrots nestled between crab cake and bread makes for texture perfection.
4. Sriracha Aioli
For those who like a little heat, mixing sriracha into an aioli or mayo base creates a creamy spicy sauce that packs a flavorful punch. It can be as mild or as spicy as you want. Just be sure to stir well before spreading onto your sandwich.
5. Pesto
Herby pesto made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil swirls together the fresh and savory flavors of summer. Dollop a heaping spoonful on your bun or stir some directly into the crab mixture for an extra flavor infusion.
6. Guacamole
Creamy, cool avocado is a natural pair for seafood. Adding lime juice and tomato gives homemade guacamole a delicious lightness that complements the rich crab. Try experimenting with different add-ins like cilantro or hot sauce too.
7. Mango Salsa
For a tropical twist, use juicy mango salsa as your crab cake topper. The sweet and tangy blend of mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime are an exciting alternative to traditional tomato salsa.
8. Lemon Aioli
A simple mix of mayo, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and herbs creates a bright aioli that allows the crab’s sweetness to shine. Sprinkle on some extra lemon zest after toasting the bun for an extra punch.
9. Old Bay Mayo
You can’t go wrong pairing crab with Old Bay seasoning. Mixing the iconic Chesapeake blend into mayo and spreading on both bun sides before assembly gives that authentic Maryland flair.
10. Mustard
For an old-fashioned crab cake sandwich, you need the yellow mustard. Spicy brown is a good choice too. The tanginess cuts through the richness of the crab perfectly. Pro tip: Mix in a little honey for a DIY honey mustard.
11. Pickles
From bread and butter chips to tangy dill spears, any type of pickle tastes fantastic on a crab cake sandwich. The briny crunch adds great texture contrast to the tender seafood.
12. Hot Sauce
Whether it’s a dash of Tabasco, a drizzle of sriracha, or a dab of habanero sauce, a little heat complements crab flavor so well. Adjust the spice level according to your own tastes.
13. Tomato
A thick slice of juicy tomato is a must for any summer sandwich. When paired with crab cakes, the sweetness balances the brininess perfectly. Try heirloom varieties for a burst of flavor.
14. Lettuce
Crisp lettuce of any kind adds freshness and crunch, whether it’s butter lettuce, leaf lettuce, or crunchy iceberg. For added texture, try lightly grilling the lettuce before placing it on the bun.
15. Slaw Mix
Instead of full-on coleslaw, use a bagged mix of shredded cabbage and carrots lightly dressed in vinaigrette. The lighter crunch pairs nicely with the soft bread and crab cake.
16. Cucumber
Thinly sliced cucumbers have a cooling effect that complements hot crab cakes beautifully. Try English cucumbers which are nearly seedless and easier to eat in sandwiches.
17. Bell Pepper
For some added crunch and a touch of sweetness, thinly sliced bell peppers are a great choice. Red, yellow, orange or green – any color works! Quick pickle them for a tangy twist.
18. Arugula
The peppery bite of fresh arugula balances the rich crab flavor. Its trademark tangy flavor cuts through the creaminess of the mayo-based sauces too.
19. Cabbage
Red or green cabbage shredded or cut into thin strips makes for a crunchy topper. Toss the cabbage with apple cider vinegar and oil beforehand for a quick slaw-like sandwich filler.
20. Radish
Thinly sliced radishes have a peppery bite similar to arugula that plays well with seafood. Mix radish with other crunchy veggies like cucumber for extra sandwich texture.
21. Carrot
For a light crunch, shred or julienne fresh carrots to place atop your crab cake. The natural sweetness balances the saltiness. Toss in lemon juice or vinegar to marinate.
22. Onion
Sliced red or white onion gives a bite to balance the rich crab. For extra flavor, quickly pickle the onions in vinegar before adding to the sandwich.
23. Bacon
Crispy cooked bacon crumbles add a smoky, salty crunch that puts any sandwich over the top. Make sure it’s well-drained for a drier texture that won’t make the bun soggy.
24. Avocado
Creamy, buttery avocado slices or mashed avocado spread brings a smooth richness that pairs heavenly with crab cakes, as well as vitamins and healthy fats.
25. Cheese
For an indulgent touch, a slice of melted cheese takes the crab cake sandwich up a notch. Sharp cheddar, Monterey, and Swiss are all good bets.
The possibilities for crab cake sandwich toppings are endless, but these 25 ingredients are a delicious starting point. When choosing what to put on a crab cake sandwich, consider complementary flavors and textures. Mixing crunchy, creamy, tart, fresh, and spicy elements creates a symphony in each bite. The next time you’re craving an amazing crab cake sandwich, try one of these tasty topping ideas to make it heavenly!
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.
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.