Description
Golden Cheddar Crab Cakes with Zesty Lemon Butter Drizzle are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold seafood flavors. Made with fresh lump crab meat, sharp cheddar, and a tangy lemon butter sauce, these gourmet crab cakes are perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crab Cakes:
- 1 lb fresh lump crab meat
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Lemon Butter Drizzle:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, cheddar cheese, panko, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, green onions, lemon zest, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix carefully to avoid breaking up the crab meat.
- Form the Crab Cakes: Shape the mixture into small patties, about ½-inch thick. Arrange on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cook the Crab Cakes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Lemon Butter Drizzle: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and paprika until well combined.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm lemon butter over the crab cakes. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for gouda, parmesan, or gruyère.
- Baked Version: Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air-Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American,seafood
Keywords: crab cakes, cheddar crab cakes, seafood appetizer, lemon butter sauce, crispy crab cakes