Phillips-Style Crab Cakes: The Ultimate Maryland Seafood Recipe
Crispy, golden crab cakes packed with fresh lump crab meat, seasoned with Old Bay, and served with tangy tartar sauce. A must-try Maryland seafood tradition!
Prepare the Crab Meat: Carefully pick through the crab meat to remove any shell fragments.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, gently combine crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and panko breadcrumbs. Fold gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat.
Shape Crab Cakes: Form the mixture into evenly sized patties (about 1.5 inches thick and 3 inches wide). Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Choose Cooking Method:
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Pan-Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook crab cakes for about 4-5 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
Broiling: Place under the broiler for 4-5 minutes per side until the inside reaches 165°F.
Serve Hot: Enjoy with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a side of coleslaw.
Notes
For a crunchier texture: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
For added flavor: Try adding a dash of hot sauce or chopped fresh herbs.
Make-Ahead Tip: Form the crab cakes and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Storage: Refrigerate cooked crab cakes for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.