Blue Crab Cakes with Old Bay Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy Maryland blue crab cakes served with a zesty Old Bay aioli, offering a taste of the Chesapeake Bay region. This American (Maryland)-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, layers blue crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg 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 280 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American (Maryland) cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 400g crab meat, 60g breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, and 2 tbsp buttermilk. Mix until just combined, then refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Shape the crab mixture into 8 patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves until smooth. Serve the crab cakes with the aioli on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Blue Crab Cakes with Old Bay Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Blue Crab Cakes with Old Bay Aioli?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blue Crab Cakes with Old Bay Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Blue Crab Cakes with Old Bay Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Blue Crab Cakes with Old Bay Aioli?

American (Maryland) seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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