Maryland Crispy Crab Cakes with Old Bay Aioli
Crispy crab cakes infused with Old Bay seasoning, served with a zesty aioli that balances heat and tang. Perfect for a Maryland-inspired seafood feast. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes layers jumbo lump crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, mayonnaise 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 320 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
- 400g jumbo lump crab meat
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dill
- 2 cloves garlic
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely chop 1 tbsp dill and mince 2 garlic cloves. In a large bowl, combine 400g crab meat, 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 egg, 50g breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp buttermilk, and the chopped dill and garlic. Mix until just combined, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1/3 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Form the crab mixture into 8 patties, then carefully place them in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, draining excess oil on paper towels.
- Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, and 1 tsp chopped dill to make the aioli. Serve the crab cakes with a dollop of aioli and additional lemon wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maryland Crispy 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 Maryland Crispy 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 Maryland Crispy 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 Maryland Crispy 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 Maryland Crispy Crab Cakes with Old Bay Aioli?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
