Succulent Jumbo Lump Crabs Recipe

The Coastal Kitchen’s Jumbo Lump Crabs Recipe

Seafood lovers seek the ultimate indulgence with these irresistible jumbo lump crab delights that promise pure ocean-fresh magic on your plate.

Luxurious and delicate, this recipe captures the essence of coastal dining with minimal effort.

Succulent jumbo lump crab meat takes center stage, delivering rich, buttery flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a tender, elegant experience that feels like a gourmet restaurant treat prepared right in your kitchen.

Perfectly seasoned and carefully crafted, these delights showcase the natural sweetness of premium crab meat.

Minimal ingredients transform into an extraordinary dish that will impress even the most discerning seafood enthusiasts.

Dive into this culinary adventure and savor every memorable morsel.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 7

Jumbo Lump Crabs Ingredient Rundown

For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Onions: Adds a mild, fresh onion punch with subtle sharpness.
  • Garlic Salt: Delivers instant umami and savory depth to the crab mixture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty complexity that complements seafood.
  • Seafood Seasoning: Provides a zesty maritime flavor profile.
  • Lemon Pepper: Introduces bright, tangy undertones.
For Binding and Texture:
  • Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent to hold crab cakes together.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a light, crispy exterior and helps maintain cake structure.
  • Mayonnaise: Ensures moisture and helps ingredients adhere seamlessly.
For Protein and Primary Ingredients:
  • Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: Delivers rich, delicate seafood flavor with premium texture.
  • Roasted Red Pepper: Adds sweet, smoky undertones and vibrant color.
  • Dijon Mustard: Introduces a sharp, tangy kick.
  • Parsley: Provides fresh herbal notes and visual appeal.

Tools That Make Jumbo Crab Easy to Handle

  • Skillet: Small skillet for sautéing green onions.
  • Mixing Bowls: Medium mixing bowl for combining ingredients and separate bowl for breadcrumb coating.
  • Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for portioning and chilling crab cakes.
  • Ice Cream Scoop: 4 oz scoop for uniform crab cake portions.
  • Non-Stick Skillet: For frying crab cakes to golden perfection.
  • Parchment Paper: To line baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Spatula: For gently flipping and pressing crab cakes while cooking.

Cooking Jumbo Lump Crab the Right Way

Ocean’s Treasure Crab Bites

  • Green Onion Magic

Gently melt butter in a warm skillet. Softly dance green onions around until they become tender and fragrant, releasing their delicate flavor. Let them rest after a quick sauté.

  • Flavor Symphony

In a spacious mixing bowl, tenderly combine the sautéed green onions with crab meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, roasted red pepper, eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, and seasoning. Fold ingredients together with loving care, allowing flavors to whisper and mingle.

  • Cake Formation

Spread parchment paper across a baking sheet. Lovingly shape crab mixture into delicate rounds using an ice cream scoop. Nestle them in the refrigerator to firm up and develop deeper flavors.

  • Crispy Coating

Create a golden armor by rolling each chilled crab bite through a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasoning. Press gently to ensure a perfect, crunchy embrace.

  • Golden Transformation

Drizzle olive oil into a heated skillet. Carefully place crab bites, allowing them to transform into crispy, golden treasures. Cook until each side becomes a beautiful bronze, about 3 minutes per side.

Ways to Add Extra Flavor to Lump Crab

  • Crab Cake Perfection: Learn expert techniques to elevate your seafood game with these delicious tips and tasty variations.
  • Chilling Magic: Refrigerate the crab cake mixture for 30 minutes before forming. This crucial step helps bind ingredients, prevents crumbling, and ensures a perfect texture when cooking.
  • Breadcrumb Brilliance: Experiment with different breadcrumb types like panko, regular, or even crushed crackers for unique crunch and flavor profiles. Each option brings a distinctive texture to your crab cakes.
  • Seasoning Swap: Replace seafood seasoning with Old Bay, Cajun spice, or fresh herbs like dill and chives. These alternative seasonings can dramatically transform the crab cake's taste while maintaining its classic appeal.
  • Cooking Flexibility: Try alternative cooking methods beyond pan-frying. Bake crab cakes at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or grill them on a well-oiled surface for a smoky flavor twist. Each method offers a different delicious result.

How to Serve Theses as Appetizers

  • Coastal Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange these golden crab cakes on a beautiful wooden platter surrounded by fresh lemon wedges and delicate sprigs of parsley for an elegant presentation that screams gourmet seafood experience.
  • Bright Mediterranean Salad Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich, savory flavors of the crab cakes.
  • Creamy Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick remoulade sauce by mixing mayonnaise, chopped capers, diced pickles, fresh dill, and a splash of hot sauce for a tangy dipping companion that elevates the crab cakes' taste profile.
  • Sunset Beach Appetizer Spread: Create a casual gathering platter with the crab cakes, accompanied by small bowls of zesty sauces, mixed olives, and a chilled white wine to transport guests to a seaside culinary adventure.

How to Store Jumbo Crab for Future Use

  • Refrigerator Readiness: Store prepared crab cakes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, keeping them fresh for up to 2 days before cooking.
  • Freezer Stash Strategy: Wrap uncooked crab cakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These delights will stay delicious for 1-2 months when frozen at a consistent temperature.
  • Reheating Revival: Warm leftover cooked crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they crisp up nicely without losing moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain their golden crunch.
  • Smart Prep Technique: Make an extra batch of crab cakes during your cooking session. Partially cook or leave uncooked, then store for quick meals later in the week, saving time and reducing daily kitchen stress.
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Succulent Jumbo Lump Crabs Recipe

Succulent Jumbo Lump Crabs Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Succulent jumbo lump crab delights bring coastal elegance to dinner tables. Delicate Maryland crab combines with light seasonings for an unforgettable experience you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (453.6 g) jumbo lump crab meat
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup (118 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
  • 4 tbsps (60 ml) salted butter or olive oil, for frying
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) roasted red pepper, diced
  • 1 ⅔ cups (397 ml) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 ¼ tsps (6.25 ml) garlic salt
  • 2 tsps (10 ml) seafood seasoning
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) lemon pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Italian parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Base: Sauté green onions in melted butter with garlic salt until translucent and fragrant. Allow to cool momentarily.
  2. Mixture Preparation: Blend cooled green onions with crab meat, panko, Parmesan, roasted red pepper, eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, seafood seasoning, and lemon pepper. Fold ingredients gently to maintain crab’s delicate structure, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  3. Forming and Chilling: Scoop mixture into uniform cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify and preserve shape, which enhances structural integrity and flavor melding.
  4. Crispy Coating: Combine remaining panko, Parmesan, and seafood seasoning in a shallow dish. Carefully coat each chilled crab cake, pressing breadcrumb mixture gently to ensure complete coverage and maximum crunch.
  5. Searing and Finishing: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook crab cakes until golden brown, applying gentle pressure to achieve perfect thickness. Flip once to ensure uniform browning and complete interior heating, creating a crisp exterior and tender interior.

Notes

  • Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerating the crab cakes for 30 minutes helps them hold together, preventing crumbling during cooking and ensuring a perfect texture.
  • Gentle Handling Matters: Use a light touch when mixing ingredients to keep the delicate crab meat intact, maintaining its luxurious, tender consistency.
  • Breadcrumb Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly but gently onto crab cakes to create a crispy, even exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Oil Temperature Crucial: Use medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning, allowing the crab cakes to cook evenly and develop a beautiful crisp exterior.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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