Quick Coastal Treat: Ina Garten’s Crab Cakes Recipe for Beginners

Seafood lovers rejoice, because this Ina Garten crab cakes recipe delivers pure coastal magic on a plate.

Golden-brown edges promise a crisp exterior that gives way to delicate, succulent crab meat.

Every bite bursts with fresh, zesty flavors that transport you to a beachside restaurant.

Ina touch transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that impresses at first glance.

The carefully balanced blend of herbs and delicate seasonings ensures each crab cake sings with authentic maritime charm.

These crab cakes work brilliantly as a sophisticated appetizer or a show-stopping main course.

Grab your skillet and get ready to create a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Ina Garten Crab Cakes Recipe

• Crabmeat: Fresh lump crabmeat ensures rich seafood flavor and tender texture; choose high-quality, sustainable sources for best results.
• Bread Crumbs: Creates crispy structure and helps bind ingredients; select fine, dry bread crumbs for even coating.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness and helps hold crab cakes together; opt for full-fat version for better consistency.
• Eggs: Provides binding and helps maintain cake shape; use fresh, room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy depth and enhances overall flavor profile; choose smooth, high-quality mustard.

• Onions, Celery, Bell Peppers: Builds complex, savory foundation with subtle sweetness; dice uniformly for even cooking.
• Parsley: Offers fresh, bright herbaceous note; select vibrant green, crisp leaves.
• Capers: Delivers briny, sharp accent; rinse before using to control saltiness.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor; use combination for balanced cooking.
• Tabasco Sauce: Introduces gentle heat and complexity; adjust quantity for desired spice level.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami depth and subtle tang; use sparingly.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend with signature maritime flavor; essential for authentic taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances overall seasoning; use freshly ground pepper for maximum aroma.

Kitchen Tools for Ina Garten Crab Cakes Recipe

• Large Pan: Essential for sautéing vegetables and frying crab cakes with even heat distribution.
• Big Bowl: Perfect for mixing crabmeat, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients gently.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, celery, and bell peppers into small pieces.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without breaking delicate crabmeat.
• Paper Towels: Help drain excess oil from fried crab cakes.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping crab cakes during frying.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions.

Cooking Steps for Ina Garten Crab Cakes Recipe

• Veggie Symphony

Sauté a colorful medley of diced onions, celery, and bell peppers with fragrant herbs and zesty seasonings. Let the vegetables dance together in butter and olive oil, softening into a delightful base that whispers of maritime flavors.

• Crab Cake Harmony

Gently fold succulent crabmeat with creamy binders, creating a delicate mixture that celebrates the ocean’s bounty. Let this blend rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, cohesive personality.

• Golden Transformation

Craft small, tender medallions from the chilled mixture. Lovingly place each cake into a sizzling pan, watching as they transform into crisp, golden treasures with a perfectly caramelized exterior.

• Serving Magic

Transfer the warm, crispy crab cakes to a waiting platter. Keep them nestled in a gentle oven embrace, maintaining their perfect temperature and inviting texture until the moment of delicious presentation arrives.

Adjust the Flavor of Ina Garten Crab Cakes Recipe

• Expert Tips and Delicious Twists
• Choose high-quality lump crabmeat for the most succulent texture. Avoid canned options and opt for fresh or refrigerated crab for maximum flavor and delicate consistency.
• Adjust breadcrumb quantity if the mixture seems too wet or dry. Adding a bit more breadcrumbs helps create firmer cakes that hold together perfectly during cooking.
• Experiment with different hot sauces or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick. Each pepper variation brings a unique flavor profile to transform your crab cakes.
• Prepare crab cake mixture ahead of time and freeze uncooked cakes between wax paper layers. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking for convenient make-ahead entertaining.
• Try baking crab cakes at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter option. Alternatively, grill on a well-oiled surface for a smoky outdoor flavor that adds delightful crispy edges.

Serving Ideas for Ina Garten Crab Cakes Recipe

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory crab cakes and add refreshing contrast.
• Create Elegant Plating: Arrange crab cakes on a white plate, garnish with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle chopped parsley for a restaurant-style presentation that looks stunning.
• Develop Perfect Side Sauce: Whip up a quick remoulade or tangy tartar sauce using mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and fresh herbs to complement the crab cakes' delicate flavor.
• Complement with Wine Pairing: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that enhances the seafood's delicate taste and cuts through the richness of the dish.

Keep Ina Garten Crab Cakes Recipe Fresh

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store uncooked crab cake mixture in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before frying. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain fresh flavors.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Arrange unbaked crab cakes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
• Reheat with Care: Warm leftover crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Serving Smart: Keep cooked crab cakes warm in a low-temperature oven (250°F) for up to 30 minutes before serving. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to prevent bottoms from getting soggy and maintain their crisp golden crust.

Crispy Ina Garten Crab Cakes Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s crab cakes deliver coastal Maryland flavors with perfect golden-brown crusts and delicate seafood essence. Succulent lump crab meat blends seamlessly with fresh herbs, creating an elegant appetizer that home cooks can easily prepare.

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Ingredients

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• 0.5 lb (226 g) lump crabmeat, drained and checked for shells
• 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup plain dry bread crumbs
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 1.5 cups finely chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
• 0.75 cup finely chopped red onion (about 1 small onion)
• 0.5 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (1 small pepper)
• 0.5 cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper (1 small pepper)
• 0.25 cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp capers, drained
• 0.25 tsp Tabasco sauce
• 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 tsps Old Bay Seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Base Creation: Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté onions, celery, bell peppers, parsley, capers, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper until vegetables turn tender and translucent, about 15-20 minutes. Cool the mixture completely.
2. Mixture Preparation: In a large bowl, gently combine lump crabmeat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and eggs. Fold in the cooled vegetable mixture, ensuring minimal disruption to the crabmeat’s delicate texture.
3. Chilling and Shaping: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to stabilize consistency. Form compact, uniform cakes using light pressure to maintain structural integrity.
4. Crispy Transformation: Heat remaining butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook crab cakes for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
5. Serving Finale: Drain cakes on paper towels to remove excess oil. Optionally, maintain warmth in a 250°F oven until serving time.

Notes

• Prevent Crumbling: Handle crabmeat gently to maintain large, delicate chunks and prevent breaking during mixing, which ensures tender, cohesive crab cakes.
• Chill for Structure: Refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes helps bind ingredients, making cakes easier to form and preventing them from falling apart during cooking.
• Seasoning Balance: Use fresh ingredients like parsley and capers to enhance flavor complexity, ensuring the vegetable base complements the delicate crab meat.
• Ideal Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve a perfectly golden-brown crispy exterior without burning or drying out the delicate crab cakes.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg