Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Crispy, golden-brown Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli bring the perfect balance of texture and flavor, transforming a classic seafood dish into a refined fine dining experience. Delicately seared to perfection, these crab cakes feature lump crab meat, fresh chives, and Dijon mustard, delivering a moist, flavorful interior encased in a light, crunchy panko crust. The rich, buttery crab cakes are paired with a silky lemon aioli, offering a creamy citrus balance, while microgreens, shaved radishes, and candied lemon slices add freshness and elegance to the plate.

Whether you’re hosting an upscale dinner or simply craving a gourmet seafood dish, follow this step-by-step guide to achieve restaurant-quality crab cakes with stunning plating techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these high-quality ingredients to ensure the perfect flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

For the Crab Cakes:

• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, for searing
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for searing

For the Lemon Aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Garnishes:

• 1/4 cup microgreens (baby arugula, pea shoots, or micro basil)
• 4–5 thin slices of watermelon radish
• 2 tbsp candied lemon slices
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, for dusting

Shop the Essentials for This Recipe

Ensure precise cooking and beautiful plating with these chef-approved tools:

• Non-Stick Skillet: Achieve the perfect golden sear. Shop Here
• Microplane Zester: Finely grate lemon zest for vibrant citrus notes. Shop Here
• Precision Squeeze Bottles: Control the aioli drizzle for artistic plating. Shop Here

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cakes

A well-balanced crab cake should be light, crisp, and filled with real crab flavor.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Lump crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, chives, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Method:

1. Mix the Crab Cake Base: In a large bowl, gently combine lump crab meat, panko, egg, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, chives, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the Cakes: Form into small, even rounds (about 2 inches in diameter) and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
3. Coat with Panko: Lightly press each crab cake into extra panko breadcrumbs for a crisp outer layer.

💡 Pro Tip: Be gentle when mixing—overworking the crab mixture can make the cakes dense instead of delicate.

Step 2: Sear the Crab Cakes

Searing ensures a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Butter, olive oil, chilled crab cakes.

Method:

1. Heat the Pan: In a non-stick skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sear the Crab Cakes: Cook each crab cake for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let rest.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for even browning.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Aioli

This silky, citrus-infused aioli enhances the delicate sweetness of the crab.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt.

Method:

1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, and salt.
2. Chill for 10 Minutes: Allow flavors to meld for the best taste.

💡 Pro Tip: Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, natural acidity—bottled lemon juice lacks depth.

Step 4: Prepare the Garnishes

Fine dining plating relies on contrasting colors, textures, and balance.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Microgreens, shaved watermelon radish, candied lemon slices, smoked paprika.

Method:

1. Shave the Radishes: Use a mandoline slicer to create thin, delicate slices of watermelon radish.
2. Arrange the Microgreens: Lightly toss with a few drops of lemon juice for freshness.
3. Prepare Candied Lemon: Slice lemons paper-thin and coat lightly in sugar before baking at 200°F (93°C) for 1 hour.

💡 Pro Tip: Contrast is key—bright radishes and citrusy lemon slices balance the richness of the crab cakes.

Step 5: Plate the Dish

Plating turns this dish into a true fine dining experience.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Lemon aioli, seared crab cakes, microgreens, radish slices, candied lemon, smoked paprika.

Method:

1. Swipe the Aioli: Using a pastry brush or spoon, create an elegant swoosh of lemon aioli on the plate.
2. Place the Crab Cakes: Stack the two golden crab cakes slightly offset from each other.
3. Arrange the Garnishes: Scatter microgreens, shaved radish slices, and candied lemon around the plate.
4. Dust with Smoked Paprika: Lightly sprinkle smoked paprika around the plate for a finishing touch.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the plating clean—use a damp cloth to wipe any stray sauce marks before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✨ Crispy Yet Tender – A golden panko crust gives way to flaky, buttery crab.
✨ Perfectly Balanced – The zesty lemon aioli, fresh greens, and candied lemon create harmony in every bite.
✨ Visually Stunning – Elegant plating makes this dish restaurant-worthy.

Pairing Suggestions

🍷 Chardonnay – A buttery, lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the sweet crab and citrusy aioli.
🥂 Sparkling Rosé – The crisp bubbles cut through the richness of the crab cakes.
🍵 Iced Green Tea with Citrus – A non-alcoholic pairing that refreshes the palate.

Share Your Creation

We’d love to see your take on Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli! Share your plated dishes on Pinterest or social media using #BeyondEveryBite, and your creation could be featured in our next article.

Shop the Essentials for This Recipe

• Non-Stick Skillet: Perfect for searing crab cakes. Shop Here
• Microplane Zester: For perfect lemon zest. Shop Here
• Precision Squeeze Bottles: Achieve elegant plating. Shop Here

This dish is a showcase of gourmet seafood artistry—perfectly crisp, beautifully plated, and rich with refined flavors. Bon appétit! 🦀✨