10+ Crab Recipes for Delicious Mealtime Adventures

Crab recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy seafood. They showcase the unique flavors and textures that crabs provide. Whether you prefer rich crab cakes, creamy dips, or refreshing salads, there is a recipe that will please your palate.

Cooking with crab allows you to explore different culinary styles. This makes it a versatile ingredient for any home cook.

From simple weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings, crab dishes can fit any occasion. You can discover a range of recipes that highlight the sweet, tender meat of crabs while incorporating your favorite ingredients. There’s something special about bringing crab to the table that elevates your meals and creates memorable dining experiences.

1) Classic Maryland Crab Cakes

Classic Maryland crab cakes are a delicious treat you can make at home. They are packed with lump crab meat and use very little filler, so the crab flavor really shines through.

To make these crab cakes, you’ll need fresh ingredients like parsley and Old Bay seasoning. These add a nice touch of flavor that keeps the recipe authentic.

You can bake or pan-fry them. Baking at 375°F (190°C) is a great option for a healthier meal. Serve with tartar sauce or a slice of lemon on the side for extra zest.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying (if pan-frying)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
2. In a bowl, mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into patties.
4. Place patties on a baking sheet or heat olive oil in a skillet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or pan-fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

2) Lemon Butter Crab Pasta

Lemon Butter Crab Pasta is a quick and delicious dish. You can make it even on a busy weeknight. The combination of crab meat, lemon, and a buttery sauce is simple yet flavorful.

To start, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare the lemon butter sauce. Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Then, squeeze in fresh lemon juice.

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and crab. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the sauce. You can sprinkle some parsley for color and extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon juice.
5. Add the cooked pasta and crab meat.
6. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.

3) Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Crab-stuffed mushrooms make a tasty appetizer that is loved at parties. They are easy to prepare and can impress your guests.

To make these delicious bites, you’ll need large mushrooms, crab meat, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add seasonings like garlic and parsley for extra flavor.

These mushrooms are perfect for any gathering or casual dinner. They can be baked at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 12 large mushrooms
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 6 ounces crab meat
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, crab meat, garlic, parsley, and half the Parmesan.
4. Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture.
5. Top with breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

4) Chilled Crab Salad with Chives

This chilled crab salad is refreshing and full of flavor. Using tender crab meat and fresh chives, it’s simple to make and perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

Start with your favorite crab meat. Fold it gently with chopped chives, celery, and a creamy dressing. You can use mayonnaise or a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.

Serve this salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for added crunch. It’s great for gatherings or a sunny day. Enjoy your delicious chilled crab salad!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) crab meat
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise or yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped chives
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced celery
• Lettuce leaves for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped chives, and diced celery.
2. Add the mayonnaise or yogurt and mix gently.
3. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
4. Serve the mixture on lettuce leaves. Enjoy!

5) Spicy Crab Dip

Spicy crab dip is a delicious way to enjoy crab meat. It combines creamy ingredients with a kick of heat for a tasty treat. You can serve it warm with crackers or fresh veggies.

To make it, start by mixing cream cheese and mayonnaise. Add crab meat and spices like cayenne pepper or Sriracha for heat. Don’t forget a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Once mixed, bake the dip until it’s bubbly and golden. This dip is perfect for parties or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 1-2 tbsp Sriracha or cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Stir in crab meat, Sriracha, and lemon juice.
4. Spread mixture in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

6) Crab and Corn Chowder

Crab and corn chowder is a comforting dish packed with flavor. The sweetness of crab pairs perfectly with the creamy base and fresh corn.

To make this chowder, you’ll want to start with a few key ingredients. Smoky bacon adds a great depth to the dish, while potatoes contribute heartiness.

You can enjoy this chowder on a chilly evening or serve it at a cozy gathering. It’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 medium-sized potato, diced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup fresh crab meat
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add bacon and cook until crispy.
3. Stir in onion, carrot, and potato. Cook until softened.
4. Add corn and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in heavy cream and crab meat. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7) Baltimore-Style Crab Soup

Baltimore-style crab soup is a delicious and hearty dish. It’s a tomato-based soup filled with lump crab meat and plenty of vegetables. This soup is perfect for a family meal or a cozy gathering with friends.

You will find ingredients like beef broth, Old Bay seasoning, and mixed vegetables. The crab adds a unique flavor that makes this recipe stand out. Enjoy it hot with some crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup lima beans
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine beef broth and water.
2. Add Worcestershire sauce and Old Bay seasoning.
3. Stir in carrots, potatoes, corn, lima beans, peas, tomatoes, and onion.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add lump crab meat and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

8) Crab-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Crab-stuffed acorn squash is a delightful dish that’s perfect for fall. It combines sweet and savory flavors in a fun and unique way. You will love how easy it is to prepare.

To start, you will need fresh Dungeness crab meat and acorn squash. When baked, the squash becomes tender and delicious while the crab adds a rich taste.

This dish is not only tasty but also colorful, making it a great centerpiece for your table. Your family and friends will enjoy every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 medium acorn squash
• 1 package Sizzlefish Dungeness crab meat, thawed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the squash in the oven for 25 minutes.
5. In a pan, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
6. Mix in the crab meat and breadcrumbs.
7. Stuff the squash halves with the mixture.
8. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until heated through.

9) Garlic Butter Crab Legs

Garlic butter crab legs are a delicious treat that is easy to make. You can enjoy them as a main dish or as an appetizer. The rich flavor of garlic butter complements the sweet taste of the crab.

To prepare, start by melting butter in a skillet at medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until it’s soft. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes.

Next, toss the crab legs in the garlic butter mixture. Let them soak up all the flavors for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, lemon, or lime juice for added taste!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs king crab legs
• 1/2 cup butter (salted or unsalted)
• 1/2 head garlic, about 5 cloves, minced
• 1/2 lemon, juice of
• 1/2 lime, juice of
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and cook until translucent, around 1-2 minutes.
3. Add crab legs to the skillet.
4. Squeeze lemon and lime juice over the crab legs.
5. Stir gently to coat the legs in garlic butter.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes, making sure they are heated through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

10) Crab and Avocado Toast

Crab and avocado toast is a delicious and easy dish you can make at home. It combines creamy avocado and fresh crab for a tasty treat. You can enjoy it as a snack or a light meal.

Start by toasting your favorite bread. Sourdough works well for this recipe.

Once toasted, spread a generous layer of ripe avocado on top.

Next, add fresh lump crab meat. You can season it with lemon juice, salt, or your favorite seasoning. A sprinkle of Old Bay adds great flavor, too.

For an extra kick, try drizzling a bit of sriracha mayo on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread (your choice)
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• Lemon juice to taste
• Salt to taste
• Sriracha mayo (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the bread until golden brown.
2. Mash the avocado and spread it on the toasted bread.
3. Add the lump crab meat on top of the avocado.
4. Squeeze lemon juice and season with salt.
5. Drizzle sriracha mayo if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.