It isn't necessary to go to crab shacks in Maryland or on the Eastern shore to enjoy great crab cakes. These are made with fresh crab meat with a bit of filler and served with tartar sauce or even cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
Crab Cakes:
2 large eggs
2 1/2 T. good quality mayonnaise
1 1/2 t. Dijon mustard
1 t. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 c. finely diced celery
2 T. finely chopped fresh parsley
1 lb. lump crab meat, hard and sharp cartilage removed
1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs
vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Tartar Sauce:
1 c. good quality mayonnaise
1 1/2 T. sweet pickle relish
1 t. Dijon mustard
1 T. minced red onion
1-2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Crab Cakes:
Line a baking sheet with foil.
Combine eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, celery and parsley in a large bowl; mix well. Add crab meat and panko; gently fold mixture together until just combined, being careful not to shred the crab meat.
Shape into 6 cakes; place on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them set.
Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat; coat with oil. When oil is hot, place crab cakes in skillet; cook until golden brown, 3 - 5 minutes per side.
Serve warm with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce and/or lemon wedges.
Makes 6 large crab cakes.
Tartar Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, mustard, onion and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Cover; chill until ready to serve.