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Mini Crab Cake Bites

Mini crab cake bites with crispy golden brown texture and creamy remoulade sauce.

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These Mini Crab Cake Bites are the perfect party appetizer, featuring sweet lump crab meat in a crispy, golden bite. They are quick to make, elegant to serve, and guaranteed to disappear from any platter. This recipe focuses on letting the delicate flavor of crab shine with minimal, complementary ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1/3 cup full-fat mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup finely minced red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely sliced green onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, divided
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or avocado oil, for frying
  • Lemon wedges and tartar sauce or remoulade, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  2. Gently fold in the minced bell pepper, green onion, and parsley.
  3. Add the crab meat. Using a fork or your hands, delicately toss to combine, trying not to break up the crab lumps.
  4. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the panko breadcrumbs over the mixture and fold gently until just incorporated.
  5. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of panko in a shallow dish.
  6. Portion the crab mixture using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon. Gently form each portion into a ball, then press into a thick disc.
  7. Lightly dredge each mini cake in the reserved panko, pressing gently so crumbs adhere. Place on a parchment-lined plate.
  8. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Working in batches, cook the crab cake bites for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Transfer cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Sprinkle with a pinch of extra Old Bay if desired.
  10. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

Notes

For a lighter version, bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. The mixture can be shaped and refrigerated a day ahead. Avoid overmixing to keep the crab lumps intact. High-quality crab is essential for the best flavor.

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