Appetizers & Starters > Seafood Starters > Hot Seafood Appetizers > Crab Cakes

Hot Crab Cakes with Spicy Aioli

Delight your guests with these incredibly flavorful hot crab cakes, served with a zesty spicy aioli. Perfect as an appetizer or starter, these crab cakes are sure to be a hit!

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 lb Lump crab meat
  • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup Red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 Green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tsp Sriracha sauce
  • 1 tsp Lemon juice
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced

Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, panko bread crumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, red bell pepper, green onions, and beaten egg. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crab cakes tough.

Shape the Crab Cakes

Form the crab mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Gently press them to flatten slightly. Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cook the Crab Cakes

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the crab cakes in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.

Prepare the Spicy Aioli

While the crab cakes are cooking, prepare the spicy aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.

Serve

Serve the hot crab cakes immediately, topped with a generous dollop of the spicy aioli. Garnish with extra green onions, if desired. Enjoy!

← Homemade Crab Rangoon Hot Smoked Salmon Dip →

FAQ

  • Can I use imitation crab meat?

    While you can use imitation crab meat, the flavor and texture won't be the same as using real lump crab meat. For the best results, use high-quality lump crab meat.
  • Can I bake the crab cakes instead of frying them?

    Yes, you can bake the crab cakes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the crab cakes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
  • How can I prevent the crab cakes from falling apart?

    The key is to not overmix the crab mixture and to use enough binder (mayonnaise and egg). Also, make sure the crab cakes are chilled before cooking.