© 2026

Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes: A Seafood Sensation

Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes: A Seafood Sensation

timer
Prep Time 25 minutes
local_fire_department
Cook Time 15 minutes
pause_circle
Rest Time 30 minutes
payments
Cost/Serving 4
bolt
Calories 320 kcal

Recreate the delicious taste of Joe's Crab Shack crab cakes at home with this easy copycat recipe.

Ingredients

Servings:
6

Crab Cake Ingredients

For Frying

To Serve

Essential Tools

01
check_circle

Large bowl

02
check_circle

Small bowl

03
check_circle

Whisk

04
check_circle

Skillet

05
check_circle

Spatula

06
check_circle

Paper towels

favorite You Might Also Love

Browse All arrow_forward

Preparation

Preparing the Crab Cakes

1

In a large bowl, gently mix together the crab meat and breadcrumbs.

2

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.

3

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the crab mixture until just combined.

4

Shape the mixture into patties, about 1/2 inch thick.

5

Place the shaped crab cakes on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking the Crab Cakes

6

Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

7

Carefully place the crab cakes in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

8

Transfer the cooked crab cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serving

9

Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Recipe Variations

shuffle

Spicy Crab Cakes

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crab cake mixture for a spicy kick.

shuffle

Cheesy Crab Cakes

Fold in some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a cheesy twist.

shuffle

Gluten-Free Crab Cakes

Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Chef's Tips

lightbulb

Use high-quality crab meat

The better the crab meat, the better the crab cakes will taste.

lightbulb

Don’t overmix

Overmixing can make the crab cakes tough.

lightbulb

Chill before cooking

Chilling helps the crab cakes hold their shape.

Storage & Conservation

kitchen

Uncooked crab cakes

Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

kitchen

Cooked crab cakes

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

ac_unit

Freezing

Freeze uncooked crab cakes for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes

warning

Overmixing the ingredients

This can result in tough crab cakes.

warning

Not chilling the patties

This can cause the crab cakes to fall apart during cooking.

warning

Cooking at too high a heat

This can cause the crab cakes to burn on the outside before they are cooked through on the inside.

Recipe Keywords

Conclusion

This Copycat Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Cakes recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality crab cakes at home. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a seafood sensation that everyone will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen crab meat? expand_more

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using.

Can I add other vegetables to the crab cakes? expand_more

Yes, finely diced bell peppers, celery, or onions can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Can I grill the crab cakes? expand_more

Yes, grill them over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Can I make these crab cakes without Old Bay seasoning? expand_more

While Old Bay is a classic crab cake ingredient, you can substitute it with a blend of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.

How do I keep the crab cakes warm? expand_more

Keep the cooked crab cakes warm in a low oven (200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.

Community Kitchen

Shopping List

No items yet. Click "Add All" or use + buttons!

Cooking Mode

1 / 1

Shopping List

Cooking Mode

Get Our Latest Recipes

Subscribe for new recipes and cooking tips — no spam, ever.