How to Cook Homemade Crabcakes in the Oven

By: Mark S. Baker

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People from cultures around the world enjoy the taste of crab, but some hate the hassle of trying to pick the meat from a crab's carcass. Crabcakes deliver all that rich crab flavor without the work. Crabcakes are versatile enough to serve as an entree; as part of a composed meal, such as a seafood platter; or on a sandwich; smaller ones work well as appetizers or hors d-oeuvres too. Traditionally, crabcakes are pan-seared in a skillet on the stove or sometimes even deep fried. You can also cook homemade crabcakes in the oven.

Oven-broiled Method

Step 1

Turn the oven's broiler to high heat. Move the upper rack to about 4 inches below the heating element.

Step 2

Coat the broiler pan lightly with cooking spray; alternatively, soak a paper towel in vegetable oil and coat the broiler pan.

Step 3

Place the crabcakes on the broiler pan and lightly season the surface of the crabcakes to help draw flavor to the surface; good seasoning options include salt, ground black pepper, sweet paprika, Old Bay, garlic powder, dried dill and ground cayenne pepper.

Step 4

Set the broiler pan in the oven. Broil the crabcakes until a crust forms on the surface, approximately four to five minutes.

Step 5

Remove the broiler pan from the oven and flip the crabcakes using a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and broil the crabcakes for another four to five minutes. Check the internal temperature of the crabcakes with an instant-read thermometer; fully cooked crabcakes reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6

Turn off the oven and remove the broiler pan. Drain any excess grease from the crabcakes on paper towels, if needed.

Oven-baked Method

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the top rack so that it rests in the center of the oven.

Step 2

Lightly coat the broiler pan with cooking spray. Place the crabcakes on the broiler pan and, if needed, lightly season the surface of the crabcakes.

Step 3

Place the broiler pan in the oven. Bake the crabcakes for about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and gently turn the crabcakes using a spatula.

Step 4

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Remove the crabcakes once the internal temperature reaches 145 F. Turn off the oven and remove the broiler pan. Place the crabcakes on paper towels to drain any excess grease, if necessary.