For the crab cakes:
1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over to remove cartilage and shell fragments
4 green onions, green parts only, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup mayonnaise
2-4 tablespoons plain dry bread crumbs
1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
Salt and white pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup vegetable oil
Lemon wedges, for serving
For the tartar sauce:
¾ cup mayonnaise
Half a small shallot, minced
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and minced
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1½ teaspoons white vinegar
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon pepper
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, gently fold together crabmeat, scallions, parsley, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons bread crumbs and Old Bay, taking care not to break up any crab lumps. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Carefully fold in egg using a rubber spatula. If cakes don’t bind, add additional bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time, until they do.
Divide mixture into four portions. Shape each into a fat, round cake, about 3 inches across and 1½ inches thick. Place on prepared baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare tartar sauce by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and allow to sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Stir again before serving. Sauce can be refrigerated up to 1 week.
When ready to cook the crab cakes, place flour in a shallow baking dish or pie plate. Lightly dredge each cake in flour and return to baking sheet.
Heat oil in a large (12-inch), nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Very carefully lay cakes in oil and cook until exteriors are crisp and browned, 3-5 minutes per side. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.