Baltimore-Inspired Crab Cake Sandwich with Spicy Aioli

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-29 · Updated 2026-04-29

Tender Maryland-style crab cakes served on toasted buns with a zesty homemade spicy aioli, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato slices. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes layers lump crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1, beaten large egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2, finely chopped green onions
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 burger buns
• 4 leaves leaf lettuce
• 1 large, sliced tomato
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for aioli)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine 1 lb lump crab meat with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning, 1 beaten large egg, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 finely chopped green onions, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, about 3 inches in diameter. Refrigerate the patties for 20 minutes to help them set.
3. Step 3: While patties chill, prepare the spicy aioli by whisking together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully to maintain shape.
5. Step 5: Toast 4 burger buns until lightly browned. Spread a generous layer of spicy aioli on the bottom half of each bun, then top with a crab cake, 1 leaf of lettuce, and 2-3 slices of tomato. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.