10+ Crab Recipes for Delicious Seafood Dishes

Crab recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy this versatile seafood. You can use them to elevate any meal and impress your guests. From creamy crab cakes to flavorful pasta, there’s something for everyone to savor.

Crab is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for seafood lovers. You can explore a variety of preparation methods that cater to different tastes and occasions. With the right recipes, cooking crab at home can be simple and enjoyable.

1) Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes

Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes are a delicious treat you can make at home. They celebrate the sweet flavor of crab meat with just a few added ingredients. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare.

To start, you need fresh crab meat. The best options are lump or jumbo lump crab. Use minimal fillers to let the crab shine through.

A mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce adds moisture and flavor. Don’t forget a dash of hot sauce for a bit of kick!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) fresh crab meat
• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the crab meat with mayonnaise, egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

2) Lemon Butter Garlic Crab Pasta

Lemon Butter Garlic Crab Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish. You will love how quickly you can prepare it. Fresh crab meat shines in a rich, buttery sauce with a zesty lemon kick.

To start, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. You can use linguine or spaghetti for a perfect base.

While the pasta cooks, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, add minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant.

Next, mix in lemon juice and a bit of zest for extra flavor. Toss in the crab meat and heat it gently.

Once your pasta is ready, combine it with the crab mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy a delightful meal!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh crab meat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Mix in lemon juice and zest.
5. Stir in crab meat and heat gently.
6. Combine with drained pasta.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

3) Classic Maryland Crab Imperial

Classic Maryland Crab Imperial is a delicious dish that highlights the sweet flavor of fresh crab meat. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.

To make this dish, you will need jumbo lump crab meat, which adds a rich texture. You’ll mix it with a creamy sauce for a delightful taste.

This dish can be served in individual ramekins or a baking dish. Bake until it’s golden on top for the best results. Your guests will love it!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) jumbo lump crab meat
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tsp (5 g) sugar
• 1 tsp (5 g) lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp (1 g) Old Bay seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, beaten egg, and parsley.
3. Gently fold in the crab meat.
4. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish or ramekins.
5. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning on top.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

4) Garlic Butter Snow Crab Legs

Garlic butter snow crab legs are a tasty and simple dish. You can prepare them quickly in the oven, making it perfect for a special meal or a cozy dinner.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need fresh snow crab legs, garlic, butter, lemon, and some seasoning.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, melt butter in a bowl and mix in minced garlic and lemon juice.

Place the crab legs on a baking sheet and brush them with the garlic butter mixture. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until they are heated through and fragrant.

Serve the crab legs hot with extra garlic butter for dipping. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Ingredients

• Snow crab legs
• ½ cup butter
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Melt butter and mix in garlic and lemon juice.
3. Place crab legs on a baking sheet.
4. Brush with garlic butter.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Serve with extra butter for dipping.

5) Quick Crab Melts

Quick crab melts are a delightful option for a snack or light meal. They are simple to prepare and can be made using fresh or canned crab meat. You can serve them warm or cold.

To make a classic crab melt, you spread a creamy crab mixture on toasted English muffins. Top them with cheese and place them under the broiler until golden and bubbly.

These melts are perfect for parties or as a quick dinner. You can cut them into smaller pieces for easy serving. Pair them with a salad or some fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup crab meat (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 English muffins
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, celery, and red onion.
3. Split the English muffins and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Spread the crab mixture evenly on each half.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
6. Broil for about 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

6) Fresh Crab Salad with Lemon and Chives

This fresh crab salad is bright and tasty, perfect for a light meal. The combination of crab meat with lemon and chives gives it a refreshing flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare!

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh crab meat for the best taste. The lemon juice adds a zesty kick while chives bring a mild onion flavor.

Mix the crab with some mayonnaise or yogurt for creaminess. Adding a splash of lemon juice enhances the flavors. Toss in finely chopped chives for that wonderful herbal note.

Serve this salad on a bed of greens or as a filling on a sandwich. It’s delicious and simple, making it a great choice for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
• Juice of 1 medium lemon
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or yogurt)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine crab meat, mayo, lemon juice, and chives.
2. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve chilled on greens or in a sandwich.

7) Authentic Crab Gumbo

Authentic crab gumbo brings a taste of Louisiana right to your table. This flavorful stew is made with fresh crab meat and a mix of spices that make every bite delicious.

You’ll start by creating a rich roux that adds depth to the dish. Combine flour and oil and cook until it reaches a dark brown color. This step is essential for that classic gumbo base.

Next, add your vegetables, including onions, bell peppers, and celery, known as the “holy trinity.” Don’t forget the crab meat and any seasoning you prefer.

Let everything simmer to combine the flavors. Serve it hot over a bed of rice, and you’ll have a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound crab claw meat
• 6 blue crabs, split in half
• 1 pound peeled shrimp
• 3 quarts seafood stock
• 2 cups okra, sliced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, until brown.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking until softened.
4. Pour in the seafood stock and bring to a boil.
5. Add the crab and shrimp, along with okra and tomatoes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Serve over cooked rice.

8) Creamy Crab Alfredo

Creamy Crab Alfredo is a delightful dish that’s both easy and fancy. You’ll love how rich and buttery this pasta is, especially with lump crab meat mixed in.

To start, cook your fettuccine according to package instructions. Meanwhile, prepare a homemade Alfredo sauce using butter, garlic, and heavy cream.

Add the crab meat and season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until fully coated.

Now, your dinner is ready to serve! You can enjoy this comforting dish with a sprinkle of parsley on top for color.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces fettuccine
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• Salt and black pepper
• Old Bay seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic.
3. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in crab meat, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
5. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce and serve warm.

9) Brioche Crab Melts

Brioche crab melts are a delicious and easy way to enjoy crab. You combine fresh crab meat with tasty ingredients on soft, buttery brioche bread. The result is a warm and satisfying meal.

To start, mix crab meat with mayonnaise, diced red onion, parsley, lime juice, and a dash of hot sauce. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spread this mixture on slices of toasted brioche. Then, top with Gruyère cheese and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This method gives the melts a lovely crunch while keeping the crab tender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup crab meat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
• 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Hot sauce (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Brioche bread slices
• Gruyère cheese (shredded)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your broiler to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the crab meat, mayonnaise, onion, parsley, lime juice, and hot sauce.
3. Then, season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture on toasted brioche slices.
5. Top with shredded Gruyère cheese.
6. Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

10) Spicy Sriracha Crab Dip

Spicy Sriracha crab dip is a flavorful blend that’s perfect for any gathering. This dip combines lump crab meat with creamy goodness for a deliciously spicy kick.

To make it, start by mixing your crab meat with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Sriracha sauce. You can adjust the Sriracha to your preferred spice level.

It’s best served warm with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies. This dip is sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise, sour cream, Sriracha, and lemon juice.
3. Then, season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with crackers or veggies.
7. Enjoy!