Golden Crab and Shrimp Cakes

Golden Crab and Shrimp Cakes are delicious seafood patties that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with a flavorful blend of crab meat, shrimp, herbs, and seasonings, these cakes make an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main dish. Served with a creamy dipping sauce, they are sure to impress at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly crispy and golden on the outside
• Tender, flavorful seafood interior
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Great as an appetizer or main course
• Elegant yet approachable for home cooks
• Pairs well with salads, rice, or vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lump crab meat
• Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and finely chopped)
• Egg
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Green onions (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• Oil or butter (for pan-frying)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine crab meat, chopped shrimp, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, green onions, salt, and pepper.
2. Add panko breadcrumbs and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
3. Form into small patties, about 2–3 inches wide.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up.
5. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook the cakes for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 cakes
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 8 minutes
• Total time: 53 minutes

Variations

• Use all crab or all shrimp if preferred
• Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for a traditional seafood flavor
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary
• Spice it up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce

storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may affect the texture

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes, just make sure to drain it well and check for shell fragments.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Small, fresh or frozen shrimp finely chopped or pulsed in a processor work best.

Can I freeze the crab and shrimp cakes?

Yes, freeze before or after cooking. Thaw in the fridge and reheat as needed.

How do I keep the cakes from falling apart?

Chill before cooking and avoid overmixing. Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best sauce to serve with them?

Tartar sauce, aioli, lemon dill sauce, or remoulade all complement them well.

Are they spicy?

Not by default, but you can add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, form the patties and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

Are they gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them suitable.

Can I make them smaller for appetizers?

Yes, make bite-sized cakes and reduce cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Golden Crab and Shrimp Cakes are a delightful way to enjoy the best of seafood in a compact, flavorful form. Whether served at a party or as part of a seafood dinner, these crisp and savory cakes offer gourmet taste with minimal effort. A must-try for any seafood lover.

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