The Best Jumbo Lump Crab Delights Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Jumbo lump crab delights promise a delectable seafood experience that beckons culinary adventurers.

Succulent morsels of tender ocean treasure await your palate with remarkable finesse.

Marine flavors dance across your taste buds, capturing the essence of coastal cuisine.

Rich, delicate morsels showcase maritime elegance through carefully balanced ingredients and techniques.

Soft, pillowy textures contrast beautifully with crisp complementary elements that tantalize sensory expectations.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these delightful bites blend simplicity with gourmet sensibilities.

Each carefully crafted piece tells a story of oceanic inspiration and culinary creativity.

Explore this recipe and unlock a world of maritime magic that will transport you to seaside bliss.

Must-Have Ingredients for Jumbo Lump Crab Delights

• Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: Delicate seafood that gives the dish its primary flavor and texture, best when fresh and high-quality.

• Eggs, Mayonnaise: Help bind the crab cakes together and add richness.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy kick and helps hold ingredients together.

• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add brightness and color to the crab cakes.
• Garlic Salt: Provides a savory, aromatic seasoning throughout the mixture.

• Parmesan Cheese, Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy exterior and add depth of flavor, with panko offering extra crunch.
• Seafood Seasoning: Enhances the overall seafood profile with a blend of spices.

• Roasted Red Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the crab mixture.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and frying, providing richness and helping achieve a golden-brown crust.
• Lemon Pepper: Offers a zesty, slightly spicy note to complement the crab.

Cooking Method for Jumbo Lump Crab Delights

Step 1: Sauté Green Onion Base

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped green onions and garlic salt. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Create Crab Cake Mixture

• Sautéed green onions
• Jumbo lump crab meat
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Diced roasted red pepper
• Beaten eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Seafood seasoning
• Lemon pepper

Fold ingredients together carefully to avoid breaking up the crab meat chunks.

Step 3: Shape and Chill Crab Cakes

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to form uniform crab cake portions. Place the cakes on the sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cakes maintain their shape during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare Crispy Coating

• Remaining panko breadcrumbs
• Additional Parmesan cheese
• Extra seafood seasoning

Gently roll each chilled crab cake in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres completely.

Step 5: Perfectly Fry Crab Cakes

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the crab cakes in batches, allowing 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Press down gently with a spatula to create an even thickness. Add more oil as needed to prevent sticking.

Tips for Making Perfect Jumbo Lump Crab Delights

• Gentle Mixing Technique: Carefully fold ingredients together to prevent breaking up delicate crab meat, maintaining its luxurious texture and large chunks.
• Chill for Structure: Refrigerating crab cakes before coating helps them hold shape, preventing crumbling during cooking and ensuring a perfect crispy exterior.
• Breadcrumb Adhesion Trick: Press breadcrumb coating firmly onto crab cakes, creating a uniform, crisp layer that seals in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Even Cooking Method: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve golden-brown edges and ensure each crab cake cooks evenly without becoming greasy.
• Fresh Ingredient Selection: Choose high-quality jumbo lump crab meat for the most tender, sweet flavor and best overall crab cake experience.

How to Keep Jumbo Lump Crab Delights Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover crab cakes in an airtight container, keeping them separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual crab cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen crab cakes can last up to 1 month for future enjoyment.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Place on a baking sheet and flip halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain their crispy exterior.

Ideal Pairings for Jumbo Lump Crab Delights

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio beautifully complement the delicate crab meat's richness, cutting through the buttery texture while enhancing the seafood's subtle flavors.
• Create Zesty Sauce Companion: Whip up a tangy remoulade or lemon-dill aioli that adds bright, sharp notes to balance the crab cakes' hearty breadcrumb coating and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Match with Light Salad Side: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette, which introduces crisp, peppery elements that contrast the crab cakes' warm, golden-brown exterior and elevate the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Chilled Craft Beer: A light wheat beer or pilsner offers a clean, crisp finish that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, seasoned crab cakes, creating a harmonious meal sensation.

Tasty Takes on Jumbo Lump Crab Delights

• Spicy Jalapeño Crab Cakes: Add finely diced jalapeños to the crab mixture for a kick of heat. Reduce garlic salt slightly to balance flavors. Serve with a cool cilantro-lime dipping sauce to complement the spiciness.
• Mediterranean Herb Crab Patties: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese. Mix in chopped fresh oregano, dill, and mint. Use olive oil breadcrumbs and swap Dijon mustard for tzatziki-style sauce.
• Crispy Coconut Crab Bites: Incorporate shredded coconut into the breadcrumb coating. Add a touch of curry powder to the crab mixture. Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce for tropical-inspired flavor.
• Smokehouse Crab Cakes: Mix in smoked paprika and finely chopped bacon bits. Use smoked Gouda instead of Parmesan. Drizzle with a smoky chipotle aioli before serving for extra depth.

Common Questions About Jumbo Lump Crab Delights

• Can I use other types of crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different crab meat varieties like backfin or canned crab, but jumbo lump provides the best texture and flavor.

• How long can I store these crab cakes before cooking?

You can keep the prepared crab cakes in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Always cover them tightly to maintain freshness.

• What if I want to make these crab cakes gluten-free?

Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• Can I bake these crab cakes instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with olive oil for a crispy exterior and ensure they’re golden brown.

Why Everyone Loves Jumbo Lump Crab Delights

• These jumbo lump crab cakes burst with rich, delicate ocean flavors that dance on your taste buds with every single bite.
• Craft gourmet restaurant-quality crab cakes in just 45 minutes using simple techniques that make cooking feel like a breeze.
• Experience a crispy golden exterior that gives way to a tender, succulent interior packed with perfectly seasoned crab meat and complementary ingredients.
• Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or impressive appetizers that appeal to both seafood lovers and those new to crab dishes.

Jumbo Lump Crab Delights Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent jumbo lump crab delights dance with Mediterranean flair, offering a luxurious seafood experience that whispers coastal elegance. Delicate herbs and zesty seasonings elevate this dish, ensuring you savor each exquisite bite of oceanic perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) jumbo lump crab meat

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 tablespoons salted butter or olive oil, for frying

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup diced roasted red pepper
• 1 ⅔ cups panko breadcrumbs, divided
• 1 ¼ teaspoons garlic salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning, divided
• ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

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Instructions

1. Gently sauté chopped green onions in melted butter with a hint of garlic salt until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic oils. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately combine the softened green onions with succulent crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, roasted red pepper, beaten eggs, creamy mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, seafood seasoning, and a whisper of lemon pepper. Fold ingredients together with a light touch to preserve the crab’s delicate texture.
3. Utilize a precision scoop to form uniform crab cakes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate the molded cakes for approximately half an hour, allowing them to firm up and maintain their elegant shape.
4. Create a crisp exterior coating by blending the remaining panko, Parmesan, and seafood seasoning in a shallow dish. Tenderly coat each chilled crab cake, pressing the breadcrumb mixture gently to ensure a complete and even coverage.
5. Warm a slick of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded crab cakes into the pan, allowing each side to transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece. Apply gentle pressure while cooking to achieve an ideal thickness, flipping once to ensure even browning and a perfectly heated interior.

Notes

• Chilling the crab cakes before cooking helps them maintain their shape and prevents falling apart during frying.
• Use fresh, high-quality jumbo lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture in these delightful cakes.
• Gently mix ingredients to preserve the delicate crab meat’s texture and prevent overworking the mixture.
• Breadcrumb coating provides a crispy exterior that perfectly complements the tender crab meat inside.
• Cooking in batches ensures even browning and prevents overcrowding the pan, which can lead to soggy cakes.
• Serve immediately after cooking for the crispiest and most enjoyable crab cake experience.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg