Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Experience the delightful flavors of the sea with these crispy crab cakes paired with a zesty remoulade sauce.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:24:50.834Z

These crab cakes are a perfect blend of sweet crab meat, herbs, and spices, delivering a taste of the ocean in every bite. The remoulade sauce adds a tangy kick that complements the richness of the crab, making this dish ideal for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
  • Zesty remoulade sauce enhances the crab's natural sweetness
  • Perfectly seasoned for a burst of flavor in every bite

The Art of Crafting Perfect Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a classic dish that celebrates the delicate flavors of seafood while providing a satisfying texture. The key to achieving the perfect crab cake lies in the balance of ingredients. Fresh crab meat should be the star, but it needs a supportive cast of breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and seasonings to create a cohesive mixture that holds together during cooking. By combining these elements gently, you ensure that the crab's natural sweetness shines through in every bite.

Chilling the crab cake mixture before cooking is a crucial step that shouldn’t be overlooked. This helps the patties to firm up, making them easier to handle and fry without falling apart. The 30-minute refrigeration time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. While waiting, you can prepare the remoulade sauce, making efficient use of your time in the kitchen.

The Zesty Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade sauce is a fantastic accompaniment that elevates crab cakes from delicious to extraordinary. This zesty sauce combines creamy mayonnaise with tangy Dijon mustard and the brininess of capers, creating a vibrant contrast to the tender crab cakes. The addition of hot sauce offers a hint of spice, making each bite exciting and flavorful. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, as a little extra lemon juice or hot sauce can tailor the sauce to your liking.

Not only is remoulade sauce easy to prepare, but it can also be used as a dip for other seafood dishes or even as a spread for sandwiches. With its bright flavors and creamy texture, this sauce is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Prepare a batch in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and tasty condiment that complements a variety of meals.

Ingredients

For the Crab Cakes

  • 1 lb fresh crab meat
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

For the Remoulade Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp capers, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Crab Cake Mixture

In a large bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Form the Cakes

Form the mixture into patties, about 3 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Prepare the Remoulade Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Cook the Crab Cakes

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the crab cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve

Serve the crab cakes warm with remoulade sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

These crab cakes are best served warm, fresh out of the skillet, allowing the crispy exterior and tender interior to shine. Pair them with a simple side salad or some coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with a light vinaigrette, which adds a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish.

For entertaining, these crab cakes make an excellent appetizer. Serve them on skewers for easy handling or as part of a seafood platter alongside shrimp cocktail and oysters. Guests will appreciate the variety, and the flavors of each dish will complement one another beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover crab cakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their texture, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat rather than using a microwave. This will help restore their crispiness while warming them through. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen crab cakes, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed. This makes it easy to enjoy homemade crab cakes anytime without the extensive prep work. They’re a wonderful meal option for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use imitation crab meat?

Yes, you can use imitation crab meat, but the flavor and texture will be different.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.

→ Can I bake the crab cakes instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

→ What can I serve with crab cakes?

Crab cakes pair well with a side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce

Experience the delightful flavors of the sea with these crispy crab cakes paired with a zesty remoulade sauce.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Crab Cakes

  1. 1 lb fresh crab meat
  2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  4. 1 egg, beaten
  5. 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  6. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  7. 1 tbsp lemon juice
  8. 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  9. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. Oil for frying

For the Remoulade Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  2. 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  3. 1 tbsp capers, chopped
  4. 1 tbsp lemon juice
  5. 1 tsp hot sauce
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 02

Form the mixture into patties, about 3 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 03

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 04

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the crab cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 05

Serve the crab cakes warm with remoulade sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 15g