If you want to take your usual burger night up a notch, crab cake burgers are a great way to do it. They bring together the rich, delicate flavor of crab with a crispy outside and a tender, juicy center. Unlike traditional beef burgers, these feel a bit more special while still being simple enough to make at home. Whether you're cooking for guests or just want something different for dinner, this recipe delivers a fresh and satisfying seafood option.
These burgers have a true crab flavor that isn't masked by fillers or strong seasoning. Serve on a bun with tartar sauce or with a lemon-juice-dressed salad of greens, sprouts and sliced peaches. This recipe works best with convenient pasteurized crabmeat, usually found in the refrigerated case near the fish counter. If you prefer lump crabmeat, cut it into small, uniform pieces.
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
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1 pound crabmeat
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup light mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons minced chives
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon celery seed
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
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4 dashes hot sauce, such as Tabasco, or to taste
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1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
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2 teaspoons unsalted butter
To Prepare:
1. Mix crab, egg, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chives, mustard, lemon juice, celery seed, onion powder, pepper and hot sauce in a large bowl. Form into 6 patties.
2. Heat oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the butter stops foaming. Cook the patties until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts:
Per serving: 163 calories; 8 g fat (2 g sat, 3 g mono); 86 mg cholesterol; 6 g carbohydrate; 16 g protein; 0 g fiber; 350 mg sodium; 293 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Selenium (44% daily value), Zinc (20% dv), Vitamin C (15% dv).
Crab cake burgers are a simple way to turn everyday ingredients into something that feels a little more elevated. They’re versatile, flavorful, and perfect for everything from casual dinners to summer gatherings. Once you try them, they might just replace your usual burger rotation.
