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Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle

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Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle are packed with flaky crab meat, sharp cheddar, and savory garlic-herb flavors. Pan-seared until golden and finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce, these crab cakes are perfect for an easy yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

  • For the crab cakes:
  • 1 lb lump crab meat, picked through for shells
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or butter for pan-searing
  • For the lemon butter drizzle:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, gently mix crab meat, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon, egg, lemon zest, cracker crumbs, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  2. Form mixture into 6–8 patties and place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  3. While chilling, make the lemon butter drizzle: melt butter in a small pan over medium heat, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook crab cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
  5. Drizzle with warm lemon butter and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the mix for extra heat.
  • For extra crunch, coat the outside of each cake in cracker crumbs before frying.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
  • To bake instead of fry, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Serve as sliders with mini buns, lettuce, and tomato for a fun variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/cheddar-bay-crab-cakes-with-lemon-butter-drizzle/