Bonefish Grill Crab Cake Recipe: Juicy, Crispy & Restaurant-Style!

If you’ve ever dined at Bonefish Grill, you know their crab cakes are legendary,  perfectly golden on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, and always paired with bold sauces like Wasabi Cream or Thai Sweet Chilli. Today, I’ll show you how to make the Bonefish Grill Crab Cake Recipe at home so you can bring restaurant-quality seafood right to your own kitchen. This copycat crab cake recipe is loaded with fresh lump crab meat, zesty spices, and just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or a date-night showstopper, these crab cakes are guaranteed to impress.

Crab Cake Preparation

Making Bonefish Grill Crab Cakes at home is surprisingly simple once you break it into steps. The key is to handle the crab meat gently so it stays tender, while still binding it with just enough ingredients to hold its shape.

Step 1: Mix the Flavourr Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• mayonnaise
  
• sour cream
  
• Worcestershire sauce
  
• Old Bay seasoning
  
• Dijon mustard
  
• lemon juice
  
• cayenne pepper
  
• paprika
  
• kosher salt
  
• chopped parsley
  

This mixture creates a creamy, flavorful base that gives the crab cakes their signature zesty and smoky Bonefish Grill taste.

Step 2: Add the Crab & Breadcrumbs

In a separate bowl, gently fold together:

• Lump crab meat
  
• diced red bell pepper
  
• breadcrumbs
  

Be very gentle here; the goal is to keep the lump crab meat intact for that restaurant-style texture.

Now, pour the flavour base into the crab mixture and carefully fold until everything is combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Shape the Crab Cakes

Line a baking dish with parchment paper.

• Using your hands, shape the mixture into six evenly sized patties.
  
• Coat each patty lightly with additional breadcrumbs to help them hold their shape.
  

Place the patties in the prepared dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial because it allows the flavours to meld and the cakes to firm up.

Step 4: Pan-Fry & Bake to Perfection

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
   
2. Fry 2–3 patties at a time until golden brown on each side (about 3–4 minutes per side).
   
3. Transfer the patties to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
   

This two-step method gives the crab cakes a crispy exterior and moist, flavorful center – just like Bonefish Grill.

Serving the Bonefish Grill Crab Cakes

Once your crab cakes are cooked to golden perfection, it’s time to serve them just like the restaurant does.

Signature Sauces

Bonefish Grill is famous for pairing their crab cakes with bold, zesty sauces. Here’s how you can enjoy them at home:

• Wasabi Herb Sauce – Creamy with a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the crab.
  
• Thai Sriracha Asian Hot Sauce – A fiery, tangy drizzle that makes every bite pop.

Garnishing for Presentation

To make your dish truly restaurant-worthy, finish with:

• Fresh lemon wedges (squeezed just before eating)
  
• A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley
  
• A light dusting of paprika for colour
  

This not only adds flavour but also makes your plate look elegant and inviting.

Serving Suggestions

These crab cakes can be served as:

• Appetizers – Small patties with dipping sauces for parties.
  
• Main Dish – Pair with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes.
  
• Seafood Platter – Combine with shrimp, scallops, and fish for the ultimate surf & turf night.
  

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these crab cakes deliver Bonefish Grill flavour right at home.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Crab Cakes Fresh

If you have leftovers (though they usually disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep that crispy exterior.

Freezing Crab Cakes

Crab cakes freeze beautifully!

• Place uncooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
  
• Transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
  
• When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as instructed.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Use fresh lump crab meat whenever possible; it makes all the difference in flavour and texture.
  
• Don’t overmix the crab mixture; keeping lumps intact gives you that authentic restaurant-style bite.
  
• Chill before frying – refrigeration is the secret to firm patties that won’t fall apart in the pan.
  
• Balance the spice – Bonefish Grill crab cakes have a little heat from cayenne and Sriracha, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste.

Bonefish Grill Crab Cake Recipe – FAQs

1. What makes Bonefish Grill crab cakes different?

Bonefish Grill crab cakes are known for their high ratio of lump crab meat to filler, which makes them meatier and more flavorful than many other recipes. They’re also served with unique sauces like Wasabi Cream and Thai Sriracha, which set them apart.

2. Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh lump crab?

Yes, but fresh lump crab meat is highly recommended for the best flavour and texture. Ifef. I. Using canned, choose high-quality pasteurized lump crab and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

3. Why do my crab cakes fall apart when cooking?

The most common reasons are:

• Not enough chilling time before frying
  
• Overmixing the crab mixture (which breaks up the lumps)
  
• Not enough binding agents (egg, mayo, breadcrumbs)
  

Make sure to refrigerate the patties for at least 2 hours before frying for firm crab cakes.

4. What sauces go best with crab cakes?

Bonefish Grill pairs their crab cakes with Wasabi Herb Sauce and Thai Sriracha Hot Sauce, but you can also serve them with:

• Remoulade sauce
  
• Tartar sauce
  
• Lemon aioli
  
• Spicy mustard dip
  

5. Can I bake the crab cakes instead of frying?

Yes! To make them a little lighter, you can bake the crab cakes at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. They won’t be quite as crispy as pan-fried, but still delicious.

Conclusion

There you have it, the complete Bonefish Grill Crab Cake Recipe you can easily recreate at home. These crab cakes are crispy, golden, and packed with flavour, ur making them perfect for appetizers, family dinners, or even special occasions.

With the zesty sauces, lemon garnish, and restaurant-style presentation, you’ll feel like you’re dining at Bonefish Grill without ever leaving your kitchen.

So go ahead, grab some fresh crab, mix up these delicious patties, and impress your family and friends with the best homemade crab cakes they’ve ever tasted.