Crab Cakes with Key Lime Mayonnaise are the perfect combination of delicate, savory crab cakes paired with a tangy, refreshing mayo that adds a unique citrus twist. The crab cakes are packed with flavor—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—while the key lime mayonnaise brings a zesty, creamy contrast that elevates the dish to new heights.
The first time I made Crab Cakes with Key Lime Mayonnaise, I was amazed by how the bright, citrusy kick of the lime complemented the rich, sweet flavor of the crab. The crab cakes were perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of seasoning to let the natural sweetness of the crab shine through. What I love most about this dish is how the key lime mayonnaise adds a burst of freshness and tang without overpowering the delicate crab. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, these crab cakes are a showstopper that’s sure to impress.
Perfect for:
- Appetizers
- Dinner parties
- Seafood lovers
- Holiday meals
- Casual gatherings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Crab Cakes with Key Lime Mayonnaise will become your go-to seafood dish:
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet crab meat and tangy key lime mayo complement each other perfectly.
- Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: Each crab cake has a satisfying crunch with a soft, juicy filling.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients come together quickly for a delicious dish.
- Refreshing Key Lime Mayo: The homemade mayo adds a citrusy brightness to the savory crab cakes.
- Light Yet Filling: These crab cakes are light but satisfying, making them ideal for any meal.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the crab cakes and mayo in advance, then fry them up when ready to serve.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, over a salad, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.
- Fresh, High-Quality Crab: Using fresh crab meat elevates the dish, making it a standout.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weeknight meal, these crab cakes impress.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 16g
Ingredients
For the Crab Cakes:
- 1 lb fresh crab meat, picked over for shells
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Key Lime Mayonnaise:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Crab Meat: The key to flavorful crab cakes. Opt for lump or backfin crab for the best texture.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Adds classic seafood seasoning to the cakes, enhancing their flavor.
- Key Lime Juice and Zest: Provides a unique and refreshing tang to the mayo.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy texture for both the crab cakes and the key lime mayo.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Crab Cakes:
- Mix Crab Cake Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
- Form the Cakes: Shape the mixture into 6-8 cakes, depending on your preferred size. Place the cakes on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill the Cakes: Refrigerate the crab cakes for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while frying.
Prepare the Key Lime Mayonnaise:
- Make the Mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, key lime juice, lime zest, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Chill the Mayo: Refrigerate the key lime mayo until ready to serve.
Cook the Crab Cakes:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Crab Cakes: Carefully add the crab cakes to the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange the crab cakes on a serving platter, and serve with a generous dollop of key lime mayo. Garnish with extra parsley or lime wedges if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crab Cakes with Key Lime Mayonnaise:
- As an Appetizer: Serve individually with a drizzle of key lime mayo as a starter for any occasion.
- On a Salad: Place the crab cakes over a fresh salad for a light, refreshing meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus or roasted corn on the cob for a hearty, balanced meal.
- On a Bun: Serve as a sandwich, adding lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a seafood burger.
- With Fries: For a classic pairing, serve alongside crispy fries and a squeeze of lime.
- On a Platter: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun, shareable appetizer.
- For a Fancy Dinner Party: Serve with risotto or mashed potatoes for an elegant entrée.
- As a Main Course: Accompany the crab cakes with a side of sautéed spinach or coleslaw.
- With a Cold Drink: Serve with a mocktail or a refreshing iced tea.
- For a Light Meal: Pair with a crisp cucumber salad for a healthy, light option.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Crab: Gently fold the ingredients to preserve the delicate texture of the crab.
- Chill the Cakes: Chilling the crab cakes before frying helps them stay intact and ensures they cook evenly.
- Use Fresh Crab Meat: For the best flavor, opt for fresh crab meat instead of canned.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the crab cakes in batches to prevent them from sticking together or becoming soggy.
- Adjust Mayo for Spice: Add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeño to the key lime mayo for a spicier kick.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Crab Cakes: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the crab cake mixture for some heat.
- Baked Crab Cakes: For a lighter option, bake the crab cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Avocado Mayo: Replace the honey with mashed avocado for a creamy, avocado-lime twist.
- Gluten-Free Crab Cakes: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Coconut-Crusted Crab Cakes: Coat the cakes in shredded coconut before frying for a tropical flavor.
- Crab Cake Tacos: Serve the crab cakes in soft corn tortillas with a drizzle of key lime mayo and some slaw for a fun twist.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: A non-stick or cast iron skillet works best for frying crab cakes.
- Food Processor: To quickly chop ingredients or mix the crab cake mixture.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like lime juice and seasoning.
- Lemon/Lime Squeezer: For fresh juice without the mess.
- Food Thermometer: Optional, to ensure the crab cakes are cooked through to the ideal temperature.
FAQ Section
- Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat, but fresh crab meat will yield the best flavor and texture. - Can I freeze the crab cakes?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked crab cakes. Simply place them on a tray in the freezer and then transfer to a bag once frozen. Fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve. - What if I don’t have key limes?
Regular limes work well as a substitute for key limes, though the flavor will be slightly less intense. - Can I make the mayo in advance?
Yes, the key lime mayo can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. - Can I add more seasoning to the crab cakes?
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more Old Bay, garlic powder, or other spices. - How do I prevent the crab cakes from falling apart?
Chilling the crab cakes before frying helps them hold together. Make sure to handle them gently when cooking. - Can I use another type of seafood?
Yes, you can substitute crab with shrimp, scallops, or fish for a different variation. - How can I make these crab cakes spicier?
Add finely chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the crab mixture or the key lime mayo. - Can I bake the crab cakes instead of frying them?
Yes, baking works well for a healthier version. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. - Can I make these crab cakes without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use crushed crackers, cornmeal, or almond flour as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Crab Cakes with Key Lime Mayonnaise are a fresh, flavorful dish that brings together the delicate taste of crab with the refreshing zing of lime. Perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual dinners to fancy parties, this recipe is sure to impress. With its easy preparation, customizable variations, and unbeatable taste, it’s a must-try for any seafood lover. Enjoy the crispy, tender crab cakes with the tangy mayo, and savor the perfect combination of flavors in every bite!