Can you almost taste that sweet, lump blue crab meat right now? That perfect blend of spices, held together just enough to make a glorious cake? For many of us, the taste of a true Maryland crab cake means summer, family gatherings, and pure coastal joy. But what happens when you live far from the Chesapeake Bay? You start searching for Maryland crab cakes shipped to your door, and suddenly, the dream hits a snag.
Choosing the best shipped crab cakes can feel like a gamble. You worry about dry cakes, too much filler, or, worst of all, frozen seafood that loses its flavor during transit. You want that authentic taste without the disappointment. It’s a real challenge to trust a picture on a website with such an iconic dish.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for—from identifying true jumbo lump crab meat to understanding shipping secrets that lock in freshness. By the end of this post, you will know how to confidently order crab cakes that taste like they just came off the boat.
Top Maryland Crab Cakes Shipped Recommendations
- Goodness You Can Taste: Bring home a classic taste of seafood with our delicious Crab Cakes. Made from high-quality, real crab meat, our Maryland-style crab cakes are made with diced onion, butter, and savory seasonings.
- Unmatched Flavor: As masters of our craft, we skillfully prepare our seafood so it’s always full of delicious flavor and nutrition. These crab cakes are ideal for serving up a fresh-tasting, convenient meal.
- A Wholesome Catch: These crab cakes are always prepared with no artificial colors or flavors, hydrogenated oils, or antibiotics. Plus, our cakes are a natural source of natural Omega-3s and protein.
- Easy to Cook: Enjoy a deliciously fresh meal that is prep-free, mess-free, and stress-free! Simply heat cakes in a conventional oven until fully cooked, or cook on the stovetop.
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market.
- A perfect weeknight meal handmade with tender & sweet premium crab.
- Wild caught.
- Ready to cook.
- Flash Frozen
- Crab Cakes - 80% Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
- Shipped in a cooler with dry ice.
- 75% crab meat to binder ratio Servings: 4 oz. per person Handmade every morning Ships fresh with gel packs Simple cooking instructions included
- We hand-make our crab cakes daily with 100% authentic Maryland Blue Crab meat
- The crab meat is pre-cooked. Made with Lump Maryland crab meat mixed with bread crumbs, mayonnaise, eggs, and Cameron's unique blend of 11 seasonings based in Old Bay
- Made by hand every morning, never frozen
- MADE WITH THE BEST AND FRESHEST MARYLAND CRABMEAT We use our best Maryland jumbo lump crab meat, so every bite is packed with large, succulent pieces of premium crab. This commitment to quality is what makes the crab the undisputed star of the show.
- MINIMAL FILLER Unlike other crab cakes, ours are crafted with "no filler." We add just enough bread crumbs to keep the delicate crab meat together, allowing the pure, sweet flavor of the crab to shine through.
- HANDCRAFTED WITH SIGNATURE SPICES AND HERBS We hand make every crab cake, blending the premium crabmeat with a perfect mix of signature spices and herbs. This special blend enhances the natural taste of the crab, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR ANY OCCASION Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these crabcakes are designed to impress your guests and elevate any meal.
- Member of the world-famous OLD BAY Seasoning flavor family
- Authentic seasoning mix for crab cakes with a touch of OLD BAY
- Blend features OLD BAY, herbs and spices and bread crumbs
- Just add crab meat and mayonnaise to make authentic Maryland crab cakes
- Responsibly Farmed or sustainable wild-caught
- Certain preservatives prohibited, including sodium bisulfite and STPP
- Traceable to farm or fishery
Your Guide to Ordering the Best Maryland Crab Cakes Online
Craving those famous, sweet Maryland crab cakes but live far from the Chesapeake Bay? Shipping fresh crab cakes right to your door is easier than ever! This guide helps you pick the best ones so your delivery tastes just like you’re sitting by the water.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for shipped crab cakes, a few things really matter. These features tell you if you are getting a high-quality product.
1. Lump Size and Meat Content
- Jumbo Lump: This is the top tier. These cakes use the biggest, whitest pieces of crab meat. They look beautiful and taste amazing.
- Backfin or Claw Meat: These are still good but use smaller pieces. They are great for everyday meals.
- Meat Percentage: The best cakes are mostly meat—aim for 80% meat or higher. If a cake is mostly filler (like breadcrumbs or sauce), it is not worth the price.
2. Minimal Binder (Filler)
A true Maryland crab cake should hold together just enough to cook, but not feel like a dense meatball. Look for descriptions that mention “lightly bound” or “minimal filler.” Too much breading hides the sweet crab flavor.
3. Ingredients List Simplicity
Good crab cakes need simple ingredients: crab meat, a little mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. If you see a long list of preservatives or strange chemicals, put that package down.
Important Materials: What Makes the Cake
The quality of the ingredients directly impacts the taste of your mail-order treat.
The Crab Meat Itself
Always check where the crab meat comes from. True Maryland cakes use **Blue Crab**. Make sure the label clearly states the crab source. Freshness is vital, even when shipped frozen.
The Binder Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Quality matters here. Real eggs and good oil make a difference in the final texture.
- Seasoning: Classic Maryland seasoning usually includes Old Bay. This blend gives the cake its signature tangy, savory kick.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How the crab cake is made and handled affects the final experience when it arrives at your home.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Hand-Picked: Cakes that are carefully hand-mixed and shaped taste better. This gentle handling keeps the delicate lumps intact.
- Flash Frozen: High-quality shippers flash-freeze the cakes right after they are made. This locks in freshness better than slow freezing.
- Temperature Control: Ensure the company uses fast, reliable shipping with plenty of dry ice or cold packs.
Factors That Reduce Quality
Avoid cakes that are pre-cooked or pre-made too far in advance. If the cake feels too firm or heavy before you cook it, it probably has too much filler holding it together.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ordering crab cakes online is perfect for special events or when you need a quick, gourmet dinner.
Use Cases
- Holidays and Parties: Ship a dozen for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires very little work from the host.
- Gifts: Sending a taste of Maryland to friends or family who moved away is a fantastic, thoughtful gift.
- Quick Gourmet Meal: Since they arrive frozen, you can bake or pan-sear them in under 20 minutes for a fast, high-end dinner.
When they arrive, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Cooking instructions are usually simple: bake or pan-sear until golden brown and heated through. Enjoy that sweet, flaky texture!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shipped Maryland Crab Cakes
Q: How long do shipped crab cakes stay good?
A: If kept frozen in the original packaging, they usually last 3 to 6 months. Check the date on the box.
Q: Should I thaw the crab cakes before cooking?
A: Most companies recommend thawing them slowly in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture, though some recipes allow cooking from frozen.
Q: What is the difference between Jumbo Lump and Backfin meat?
A: Jumbo Lump uses the two largest, choicest pieces of meat from the body. Backfin uses smaller pieces, often mixed with some flake meat.
Q: Are these crab cakes fully cooked when they arrive?
A: No. They are almost always sold raw and frozen. You must cook them fully before eating.
Q: How much shipping do I have to pay?
A: Shipping costs vary widely. Many companies offer free shipping if you spend over a certain amount, like $100.
Q: Can I reheat leftover cooked crab cakes?
A: Yes, but they are best fresh. Reheat them gently in an oven or air fryer to avoid drying them out.
Q: What is the best way to cook a shipped crab cake?
A: Pan-searing in a little butter gives the best crust, but baking is the easiest and healthiest option.
Q: Do I need to worry about the ice melting during shipping?
A: Reputable shippers use heavy insulation and dry ice. Your order should arrive cold, but always check the box immediately upon delivery.
Q: Can I use tartar sauce with Maryland crab cakes?
A: Traditionalists often only use lemon wedges or cocktail sauce. Tartar sauce is fine if you like it, but try one bite plain first!
Q: Are these crab cakes spicy?
A: They are seasoned, not usually spicy-hot. The flavor comes from Old Bay, which is savory and tangy, not chili-hot.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!