Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

Robyn Lane

I love to make crab cakes with very little filler. You really have to have some sort of binder or the crab cakes will fall apart.

I go the extra mile to make the tastiest crab cakes. I dice onions and peppers and add herbs and spices, then I sauté them before I add them to the mix of lump crab meat, fresh breadcrumbs, and eggs.

Eating an authentic Maryland crab cake is one of many things on my foodie bucket list. The crab cake is a staple of Maryland cuisine. Maryland is just a 3-hour drive! I need to get it in gear and fulfill my desire to eat a great Chesapeake Bay crab cake.

According to Wikipedia: Crab cakes in Maryland traditionally consist of no other ingredients than jumbo lump meat picked from steamed blue crabs, a very small amount of binder, and maybe a spice with a significant tie to the state like Old Bay. The ingredients are formed into cakes and cooled in a refrigerator for a period allowing them to firm up. This is done to minimize the amount of binder needed to hold them together during the cooking process.

RELATED: Where To Find Tasty Wings In Point Pleasant – A Top 9 List

I have never taken apart an actual crab. I’m a tad creeped out by the thought of it, so I buy my lump crabmeat in a 1-pound can by the fish counter at the grocery store.

When I have a few extra bucks, I think I’ll go to one of my favorite seafood stores and buy it at the counter. Maybe I can get the fishmonger to pick through the mound of crab meat for cartilage and shells. That will be one less thing to do when I get home.

I’ve eaten plenty of crab cakes on the Jersey Shore, but not all of them are good.

I won’t say where the bad ones were. However, I will share my favorites along with the favorites of all my food-loving friends on my favorite food pages.

Let’s take a look at some of the places on or near the Jersey Shore that serve some delicious crab cakes.

  • The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House - 1201 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

    One of the best crab cakes I’ve ever eaten on the shore was from The Old Causeway. Jumbo lump goodness accompanied by a creamy remoulade and their homemade tangy slaw. That dish and an order of Oysters Rockefeller with a dirty martini will make your day.

  • Atlantic Offshore Fishery - 212 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

    I know this place makes great lobster rolls, bisques, and chowder and now, Janet D. and a few other folks spoke up to let me know about their incredible crab cakes. Made with plenty of jumbo lump crabmeat, onions, red peppers and a hint of breadcrumbs.

  • Park Seafood Clam Bar - 1800 Boardwalk #2, Seaside Park, NJ 08752

    This is a great casual Summer spot. According to Jeff Ananson, my brother in foodie heaven, Park Seafood makes a darn good crab cake. Jennifer agrees. A place doesn’t need to be upscale to serve good seafood. Quality is what it’s all about. Grab a picnic table and enjoy the boardwalk.

  • Brandl - 703 Belmar Plaza, Belmar, NJ 07719

    A huge lump crabmeat crab cake, with a crispy exterior and an incredibly flavorful interior. A heavenly seafood creation. Pricey, but definitely worth it.

    Crab Cake from Brandl - Belmar

  • On the Deck - 10 Simon Lake Dr, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716

    Near the Seastreak Ferry, this place offers a casual Happy Hour type vibe with really good crab cakes. Nothing super fancy, just a flavor filled pan seared jumbo lump crab cake. The honey chipotle wings are a winner as well.

  • Crab's Claw Inn - 601 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette, NJ 08735

    Well, Crab is in their name. They have a very good Maryland style crab cake sandwich on a brioche bun here. They can also do a crab cake platter if you want to skip the bread. I love many things at the Crab’s Claw and this is one of them.

  • Pour House - 640 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07701

    Jennifer reminded me how good the crab cakes are at the Pour House. Another place I used to frequent when I lived down the road. We still dine at the Pour House, just not as often. The crab cake is light and packed with flavor. If you’ve never been here but plan on going, you have to order the crab meltaway for an appetizer. It’s so good!!

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