These homemade Crab Cake Sandwiches are bursting with fresh lump crab meat and perfectly seasoned with fresh lemon juice and Old Bay Seasoning. Drizzled in epic remoulade sauce and served with toasted brioche buns, everyone will love these!
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Key Ingredients
- Mayo
- Lump Crab Meat
- Breadcrumbs
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard
- Lemon
- Egg
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Buns
What Type of Crab to Use
It is important to choose high-quality crab meat that is fresh and free of any shells or cartilage. Lump crab meat is the best choice as it has larger chunks of meat and fewer shell fragments.
Lump crab meat is a type of crab meat that comes from the body of the crab. It is considered to be the highest quality and most desirable type of crab meat due to its large, meaty chunks and sweet, delicate flavor. It’s typically more expensive than other types of crab meat, such as a claw or backfin meat, because it is more difficult to extract from the crab and requires a greater amount of processing.
How to Season and Spices
I like to use a combination of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the crab meat.
- Old Bay seasoning: This classic blend of herbs and spices is a popular seasoning, especially for Maryland crab cakes. It includes celery salt, pepper, paprika, and other spices, and adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor.
- Mustard: You can use standard or Dijon. A little bit of mustard can add a tangy flavor and help bind the ingredients together.
- Worcestershire sauce: This sauce is made from vinegar, molasses, and spices, and can add a sweet and savory flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the crab cakes and add a fresh, citrusy note.
How to Make a Crab Cake Sandwich
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large bowl, whisk together worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice, egg, mayo, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat and breadcrumbs, being careful not to break up the large chunks of crab.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
- Sear, air fry, or bake.
- Assemble the sandwiches.
How to Tell When They Are Done Cooking
- The crab cakes will turn golden brown on the outside when they are cooked through. Look for a crispy, caramelized crust on the outside of the crab cake.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the crab cakes. The temperature should be 140-160 degrees to ensure that they are fully cooked.
- When they are fully cooked, they will be firm and hold their shape when touched. If they are still soft or fall apart, they may need more time to cook.
What Type of Bread to Use
I used Brioche, it’s my favorite. You can also use ciabatta rolls, whole wheat buns, pretzel buns, or kaiser rolls. Use what you like.
What Sauce to Put on it
Remoulade sauce pairs wonderfully with these. You can also use tartar sauce, mayo, aioli sauce, or even cocktail sauce if that’s what you want.
Crab Cake Substitutions and Add-ins
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Chives
- Smoked Paprika
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cajun Seasoning
- Diced Onions
- Diced Bell Peppers
- Parmesan Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
Sandwich Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Avocado
- Pickles
- Bacon
Pair With These Recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Green Beans
Traeger Smoked Baked Beans
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
More Sandwich Recipes
Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
Crispy Fish Sandwich
Shrimp Burgers
Crab Cake Sandwiches
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 2-3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- cooking oil I used olive.
- buns
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice, egg, mayo, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat and breadcrumbs, being careful not to break up the large chunks of crab.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. If you have a difficult time forming patties, add more breadcrumbs.
Stovetop/Pan Seared Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the crab cake patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow the crab cakes to cool.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place the crab cakes in the Air Fryer. Spray the top of the crab cakes with cooking oil.
- Cook for 8-12 minutes at 370 degrees. Cook time will vary based on the size of your patties.
- Allow the crab cakes to fully cook before moving. If you move them too soon they will fall apart.
Oven/Baked Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Place the crab cake patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Bake the crab cakes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow the crab cakes to fully cook before moving. If you move them too soon they will fall apart.
Assembling the Sandwiches
- While the crab cakes are cooking, lightly toast the buns.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place your toppings on the bottom half of each bun. Add the crab cake, any sauce you plan to use, and the remaining bun.
