Ingredients

  • 3 slices of soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed and bread cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely diced shallots
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pounds lump crabmeat, drained and picked over
  • 3 slices of soft white sandwich breadcrusts removed and bread cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Method

  • In a food processor, pulse the bread with the parsley, cayenne, Old Bay and baking powder until fine crumbs form.
  • Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl.
  • In a small skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of the butter.
  • Add the red bell pepper and shallots and cook over moderately high heat until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the eggs, parsley, Worcestershire, Old Bay, mustard, cayenne, baking powder and salt and stir well to blend.
  • Add the crabmeat and the bread cubes to the bowl and toss gently until evenly combined.
  • Form the crab mixture into 24 small patties, using 1/4 cup per patty.
  • Squeeze to wring out any excess liquid.
  • Roll the crab cakes in the bread crumb coating and arrange them on a large rimmed baking sheet.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until thoroughly chilled.
  • In a large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the olive oil.
  • Working in batches, cook the crab cakes over moderately high heat, turning once, until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes per batch.
  • Serve the crab cakes with lemon wedges.