If you are craving a delightful bite that balances the sweetness of fresh seafood with a kick of heat, this Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe is precisely what you need. Imagine tender, flavorful crab cakes nestled in soft toasted buns, topped with a creamy yet spicy mayo that brings everything to life. These sliders are perfect for parties, casual dinners, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this combination, it will quickly become a favorite to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but come together to create an unforgettable mix of textures and flavors. Each component plays a vital role—from the fresh lump crab meat that delivers the star flavor to the spice and tanginess in the mayo that adds personality to each bite.
- Lump crab meat: Make sure to pick over for any shell fragments to keep every bite enjoyable.
- Panko breadcrumbs: They provide a light, crispy texture without weighing down the crab cakes.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep those delicate crab cakes from falling apart when cooking.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the crab cakes while also forming the base of the spicy mayo.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a mild tang and depth of flavor that enhances the seafood taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Offers a subtle savory note that rounds out the seasonings.
- Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that’s a must for that authentic crab cake flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with fresh acidity.
- Green onions: Provide a mild sharpness and crunch.
- Parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbal note that keeps the crab cakes vibrant.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Unsalted butter: For cooking — it gives a lovely golden crust and just the right richness.
- Sriracha: Adjustable heat level to create that spicy kick in the mayo.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle background flavor to the spicy mayo without overpowering.
- Slider buns: Toasted for texture and warmth, the perfect size for these mini sandwiches.
- Lettuce leaves: Crisp, refreshing layer that balances the richness.
- Tomato slices: Juicy sweetness to complement the spicy mayo.
- Pickles (optional): For an extra tangy crunch if you like.
How to Make Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture
Start by gently folding together the lump crab meat with the breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, finely chopped green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. It’s very important to be gentle here to keep the crab meat lumps intact—that’s where all the wonderful texture comes from! Once combined, shape the mixture into 8 equal small patties, place them on a plate, cover, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the crab cakes hold their shape when cooking.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Mayo
While the crab cakes chill, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder to make the spicy mayo. Adjust the sriracha depending on how much heat you want to bring to the party. Pop this into the fridge until assembly so the flavors can meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Crab Cakes
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s foaming and fragrant. Carefully place each crab cake in the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are heated through. The butter ensures a perfect sear that boosts flavor without drying out the crab cakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
To build your sliders, spread a generous amount of the spicy mayo on both the top and bottom halves of the toasted buns. Layer a crisp lettuce leaf, one of the warm crab cakes, a juicy tomato slice, and pickles if you’re using them. Put the buns together and serve right away for the best experience. These sliders invite you to savor every bite of that incredibly satisfying blend of creamy, spicy, crunchy, and savory flavors.
How to Serve Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sliders even more, consider garnishing with extra chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh burst of color and mild oniony zing. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a lovely finishing touch, inviting guests to squeeze more bright citrus over if they like.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as the star of a light meal, so pair your sliders with fresh, simple sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy coleslaw, or a crisp cucumber salad. These options balance the richness of the crab cakes and spicy mayo perfectly, keeping your meal fresh and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or casual gathering, arrange the sliders on a wooden board with small bowls of extra spicy mayo, pickles, and lemon wedges. You can add themed decor such as small flags or toothpicks to make grabbing and enjoying them easy and fun. This makes the perfect crowd-pleaser appetizer or an irresistible component of a seafood platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover crab cake sliders, store the cooked crab cakes separately from the buns and toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will keep the texture intact and prevent sogginess. They taste best within 2 days of cooking.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared crab cakes before cooking by placing them on a lined tray and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, cook the crab cakes straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes per side. Avoid freezing the assembled sliders or the spicy mayo as the texture will suffer.
Reheating
To reheat cooked crab cakes, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them rubbery. Toast the buns fresh or briefly warm them before assembling your leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh lump crab meat is ideal for the best texture and flavor, high-quality canned crab meat can work well in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and pick through for any shells.
How spicy is the spicy mayo? Can I make it milder?
The heat level depends entirely on your taste and how much sriracha you add. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste the mayo. If you prefer it less spicy, add just a little or none at all. The recipe is flexible to match your preferred kick.
Can I bake the crab cakes instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a wonderful lighter alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the patties on a greased sheet for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What’s the best type of bun for crab cake sliders?
Soft slider buns or small brioche buns work beautifully because they’re tender but sturdy enough to hold the crab cakes and toppings without falling apart.
Are these sliders suitable for a dinner party?
Definitely! Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe make elegant yet approachable finger food that guests love. They’re easy to eat and packed with flavor, perfect for impressing at your next gathering.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a perfectly cooked crab cake paired with that creamy, spicy mayo and fresh, crisp toppings, all tucked into a soft slider bun. This Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe brings together all these wonderful elements into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re making it for yourself, family, or friends, it promises to bring smiles and seconds around the table. So go ahead and dive in—these sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Print
Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 8 sliders
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Crab Cake Sliders with Spicy Mayo are delightful mini sandwiches featuring crispy, golden crab cakes paired with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course, these sliders combine the sweet, tender lump crab meat with flavorful seasonings and fresh toppings served on toasted slider buns.
Ingredients
For the Crab Cakes:
- 1 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of garlic powder
For Serving:
- 8 slider buns (toasted)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture: In a large bowl, gently mix together the crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined. Be careful not to break up the crab too much.
- Form and Chill Patties: Shape the mixture into 8 small patties and place them on a plate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Make the Spicy Mayo: While the patties chill, stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Crab Cakes: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Cook the crab cakes for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread the spicy mayo on both the top and bottom of each toasted slider bun. Layer with a lettuce leaf, a crab cake, a slice of tomato, and pickles if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can bake the crab cakes at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes for a lighter cooking option.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo to match your preferred heat level.
- These sliders make excellent appetizers or a light main dish for gatherings.
