Maryland-Style Crab Cakes from Bonefish Grill feature lump crab meat blended with fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and subtle spices, pan-seared to golden perfection, delivering a crispy exterior that reveals a tender, flavorful center.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (for holding formed cakes)
- Plate (for dredging or resting crab cakes)
- Frying pan or skillet
- Fish spatula or turner
- Paper towels (for draining)
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Using lump crab meat is crucial for authentic Maryland-Style Crab Cakes, as it provides the delicate texture and flavor that distinguishes this dish. Fresh herbs like parsley and chives enhance the taste without overpowering the crab, while Old Bay seasoning adds the signature regional spice blend you expect. Be sure to use a combination of mayonnaise and egg to bind the cakes, helping them hold together during frying. Breadcrumbs should be light and not too dense, ensuring a crispy exterior without heaviness. Your Maryland-Style Crab Cakes from Bonefish Grill copycat menu will capture the perfect balance of crispy outside and tender, flavorful inside when you follow these ingredient tips precisely.
Instructions
- Inspect crab meat for shells and gently pick them out.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add breadcrumbs, parsley, and chives to the wet mixture; stir gently to combine.
- Carefully fold in lump crab meat, trying not to break up the lumps.
- Shape mixture into 6-8 crab cakes, pressing gently to form.
- Place formed crab cakes on a baking sheet or plate; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Preheat frying pan or skillet over medium heat; add butter and vegetable oil.
- Gently place chilled crab cakes in the hot pan.
- Cook crab cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
- Transfer cooked crab cakes to a plate lined with paper towels or to a cooling rack to drain.
- Serve immediately, garnished as desired.
Substitution
Maryland-Style Crab Cakes from Bonefish Grill copycat menu captures the essence of fresh lump crab meat combined with herbs and spices, creating a classic seafood dish. If lump crab meat is unavailable, you can substitute with claw meat or a mix of crab and shrimp for a similar texture and flavor. Instead of mayonnaise, you may use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version, which still helps bind the ingredients. When frying, a combination of butter and vegetable oil ensures a crispy crust without burning; you can adjust the heat accordingly if you use all butter or all oil. You should rest formed crab cakes on a baking sheet before frying to help them hold their shape and avoid breaking during cooking.
Tips
Ensure you carefully inspect and remove any shell pieces from the lump crab meat to prevent unpleasant bites. Letting your crab cakes chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking. Use a combination of butter and vegetable oil in your skillet to achieve a crispy, golden crust without burning. When flipping, handle the crab cakes gently with a fish spatula to maintain their delicate texture and prevent them from falling apart.
Nutritions
Maryland-Style Crab Cakes provide a rich source of protein, primarily from lump crab meat, which is low in fat and calories but high in essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. The use of mayonnaise and butter adds healthy fats, while fresh herbs like parsley and chives contribute antioxidants and vitamins. Breadcrumbs add carbohydrates, offering energy, but the overall dish remains balanced with moderate fat content due to pan-searing in oil. Your meal provides a nutrient-dense option that's flavorful and satisfies hunger with quality proteins and healthy fats.
Storage
Store unused Maryland-Style Crab Cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor. For longer storage, freeze the crab cakes individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, allowing them to keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw your crab cakes overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to preserve their crispy exterior.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute fresh lump crab meat with canned crab meat for a more budget-friendly option without significantly compromising flavor. To enhance texture, try mixing panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for added crunchiness. If you prefer baking over frying, place the crab cakes on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375degF (190degC) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Incorporating a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning into both the batter and the dredging crumbs boosts the signature Maryland-style taste.
Allergies
Maryland-Style Crab Cakes contain shellfish, which is a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Ingredients like eggs, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce may also trigger allergies related to eggs or fish. If you have known allergies to shellfish or these ingredients, it is important to avoid this dish or seek safe alternatives.
Why this recipe?
Maryland-Style Crab Cakes from Bonefish Grill are prized for their generous lump crab meat, seasoned with a perfect blend of Old Bay and fresh herbs, creating an authentic taste of the Chesapeake Bay. The crispy golden exterior paired with a tender, juicy center delivers a satisfying texture that highlights the premium quality of the crab. You can recreate this favorite dish at home to enjoy the rich flavors and gourmet experience without the wait or cost of dining out. Making the copycat version allows your family or guests to savor a restaurant-quality crab cake that honors tradition and culinary excellence.