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Crab Cake Sandwich

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This Crab Cake Sandwich is a mouthwatering experience and a taste of the ocean in every bite. With succulent jumbo lump crab meat, perfectly seasoned and served on buttery rolls, this sandwich is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers. These will leave you craving more!

crab cake sandwich on a brioche bun with lettuce tomatoes and a side of chips with remoulade sauce
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What Type of Crab to Use

It is important to choose high-quality crab meat that is fresh and free of any shells or cartilage. Lump crab meat is the best choice as it has larger chunks of meat and fewer shell fragments.

Lump crab meat is a type of crab meat that comes from the body of the crab. It is considered to be the highest quality and most desirable type of crab meat due to its large, meaty chunks and sweet, delicate flavor. It’s typically more expensive than other types of crab meat, such as a claw or backfin meat, because it is more difficult to extract from the crab and requires a greater amount of processing.

Click here to read our post, What is Lump Crab Meat.

lump crab in a glass bowl

How to Season and Spices

I like to use a combination of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the crab meat.

  • Old Bay seasoning: This classic blend of herbs and spices is a popular seasoning, especially for Maryland crab cakes. It includes celery salt, pepper, paprika, and other spices, and adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor.
  • Mustard: You can use standard or Dijon. A little bit of mustard can add a tangy flavor and help bind the ingredients together.
  • Worcestershire sauce: This sauce is made from vinegar, molasses, and spices, and can add a sweet and savory flavor.
  • Lemon juice: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the crab cakes and add a fresh, citrusy note.
Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, and mustard in separate white bowls
egg, breadcrumbs, and mayo in separate glass bowls

How to Make a Crab Cake Sandwich

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice, egg, mayo, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  2. Gently fold in the lump crab meat and breadcrumbs, being careful not to break up the large chunks of crab.
  3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
  4. Sear, air fry, or bake.
  5. Assemble the sandwiches.
collage of 4 photos with egg, breadcrumbs, crab meat, and worcestershire sauce in a glass bowl to form crab cake patties
unformed crab cake batter in a glass bowl
crab cakes on parchment paper sheet pan
crab cakes in an air fryer

How to Tell When They Are Done Cooking

  • The crab cakes will turn golden brown on the outside when they are cooked through. Look for a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside of the crab cake.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the crab cakes. The temperature should be 140-160 degrees to ensure that they are fully cooked.
  • When they are fully cooked, they will be firm and hold their shape when touched. If they are still soft or fall apart, they may need more time to cook.
crab cakes in an air fryer

What Type of Bread to Use

I used Brioche, it’s my favorite. You can also use ciabatta rolls, whole wheat buns, pretzel buns, or kaiser rolls. Use what you like.

What Sauce to Put on it

I love to use my Louisiana Remoulade Sauce recipe! It pairs wonderfully with these. You can also use tartar sauce, mayo, aioli sauce, or even cocktail sauce if that’s what you want.

cooked crab cakes on a plate

Crab Cake Substitutions and Add-ins

  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Chives
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Diced Onions
  • Diced Bell Peppers
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Cheddar Cheese
crab cake sandwich on a brioche bun with lettuce tomatoes and a side of chips

Sandwich Toppings

  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Avocado
  • Pickles
  • Bacon

Pair With These Recipes

Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Green Beans
Traeger Smoked Baked Beans
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Smoked Fish Dip

crab cake sandwich on a brioche bun with lettuce tomatoes and a side of chips with remoulade sauce

More Crab Recipes

How to Cook Crab Legs
Lump Crab Salad
Grilled King Crab Legs
Crab Risotto
Grilled Snow Crab Legs
Seafood Pasta Salad
Creamy Crab Bisque
Smoked Crab Legs

person holding crab cake sandwich with chips

More Sandwich Recipes

Lobster Grilled Cheese
Shrimp Burgers
Crispy Fish Sandwich
Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

crab cake sandwich on a brioche bun with lettuce tomatoes and a side of chips with remoulade sauce

Crab Cake Sandwich

This Crab Cake Sandwich is a mouthwatering experience and a taste of the ocean in every bite. With succulent jumbo lump crab meat, perfectly seasoned and served on buttery rolls, this sandwich is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers. These will leave you craving more!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American, Maryland
Servings 4 servings
Calories 344 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz lump crab meat
  • 2-3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • cooking oil I used olive.
  • buns

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice, egg, mayo, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
    1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 egg, ¼ cup mayo, 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning, salt and pepper to taste
  • Gently fold in the lump crab meat and breadcrumbs, being careful not to break up the large chunks of crab.
    8 oz lump crab meat, 2-3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. If you have a difficult time forming patties, add more breadcrumbs.

Stovetop/Pan Seared Instructions

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
    cooking oil
  • Once the oil is hot, add the crab cake patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Allow the crab cakes to cool.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
    cooking oil
  • Place the crab cakes in the Air Fryer. Spray the top of the crab cakes with cooking oil.
  • Cook for 8-12 minutes at 370 degrees. Cook time will vary based on the size of your patties.
  • Allow the crab cakes to fully cook before moving. If you move them too soon they will fall apart.

Oven/Baked Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • Place the crab cake patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
  • Bake the crab cakes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Allow the crab cakes to fully cook before moving. If you move them too soon they will fall apart.

Assembling the Sandwiches

  • While the crab cakes are cooking, lightly toast the buns.
    buns
  • To assemble the sandwiches, place your toppings on the bottom half of each bun. Add the crab cake, any sauce you plan to use, and the remaining bun.

Notes

This recipe is designed to have more crab flavor and less breading. If you prefer a thick breaded crab cake use 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs instead of what’s noted in the recipe.
You can use standard or Dijon mustard, whatever you prefer.
The crab cakes will turn golden brown on the outside when they are cooked through. Look for a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside of the crab cake.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the crab cakes. The temperature should be 140-160 degrees to ensure that they are fully cooked.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 20gFat: 15g
Keyword crab cake sandwich, Maryland crab cakes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe Rating




Katie

Monday 21st of August 2023

I don’t know why crab cakes seemed so intimidating lol. Had crab that needed to be used so I tried this recipe - so good and very easy! Make sure to make the remoulade sauce too!

Brandi Crawford

Monday 21st of August 2023

I'm so glad you enjoyed them!

Ashley

Monday 12th of June 2023

Amazing! So easy to put together and still have a flavorful meal! Definitely will be making this over and over again!

Brandi Crawford

Monday 12th of June 2023

Yes! Such a good one!

Kelly

Wednesday 24th of May 2023

This recipe was a hit! I CANT STRESS HOW QUICK AND EASY IT WAS…so much flavor! I did the sauce too. I will definitely make this for the fam often!

Brandi Crawford

Thursday 25th of May 2023

Yay! So good!