Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes

 

🦀 Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes: Crispy, Savory, and Seafood Heaven

If you love the flavor of fresh crab but want the comfort of cooking at home, these Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes are your ultimate go-to recipe. Inspired by the famous seafood chain, these crab cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the delicate sweetness of lump crab meat.

Perfect for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or a fancy weekend treat, these crab cakes bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen without the wait. Serve them with a tangy remoulade, lemon wedges, or a simple side salad for the ultimate seafood experience.

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🦀 Why You’ll Love Them

• Authentic flavor: Inspired by the iconic Joe’s Crab Shack taste, combining herbs, spices, and tender crab.

• Perfect texture: Crispy golden crust with a soft, flaky interior.

• Easy to make at home: Skip the restaurant trip and impress family and friends with homemade crab cakes.

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🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2–3 tbsp butter or oil for frying

Optional Remoulade Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp hot sauce

• 1 tsp paprika

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture:
   In a large bowl, gently combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Old Bay, Worcestershire, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break up the crab too much — you want nice chunks in each cake.

2. Form the Crab Cakes:
   Shape the mixture into 6–8 patties, about ¾ inch thick. Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help them hold together while cooking.

3. Cook the Crab Cakes:
   Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

4. Optional Remoulade Sauce:
   While the crab cakes cook, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve alongside the crab cakes for dipping.

5. Serve & Enjoy:
   Plate the crab cakes with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and the remoulade sauce. Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or fries for a complete meal.

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🌟 Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: Form the cakes and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking to improve texture.

• Bake instead of fry: For a lighter option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Extra flavor: Add minced green onions or bell pepper for a slight kick and added freshness.

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🦀 Restaurant-Quality Crab Cakes at Home

These Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes are the perfect blend of crispy exterior, tender interior, and savory crab flavor. They’re impressive enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight treat — a true seafood delight that brings the taste of the coast straight to your kitchen.