Pan-Seared Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden crab cakes with a vibrant lemon-dill sauce that enhances the delicate seafood flavor. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs ounces, flaked fresh crab meat, fine breadcrumbs, beaten egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 8 ounces flaked crab meat, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, 1 lemon zest, 1 lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped dill. Mix gently to form 4 equal patties.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until foaming.
  3. Step 3: Add the crab patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add 1/2 sliced lemon and cook for 1 minute until edges curl.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped dill and 1/4 cup of the pan juices. Pour sauce over crab cakes and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fine breadcrumbs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce?

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 Pan-Seared Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce 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 Pan-Seared Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce?

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.

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