15 Crab Recipes You’ll Love to Make at Home

Crab is a versatile seafood that offers a delightful taste and texture, making it a favorite in many cuisines. You can enjoy it in a rich crab cake, a light salad, or a creamy pasta dish. There are endless ways to cook with crab that can satisfy any palate.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of crab recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic favorites to innovative dishes, these recipes will inspire you to explore the delicious possibilities of cooking with crab. Get ready to enjoy mouthwatering flavors that your family and friends will love!

1) Classic Crab Cakes

Classic crab cakes are a delicious way to enjoy crab. They are simple to make, and you can use fresh or canned crab meat.

Start by mixing lump crab meat with ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. This gives the cakes a great flavor.

Form the mixture into patties and cook them until they are golden brown. You can fry them in a pan or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 13-15 minutes.

These cakes pair well with a tangy sauce or a fresh salad on the side. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) lump crab meat
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (if pan-frying)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, mustard, and Old Bay seasoning.
2. Add the egg, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Gently fold in the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the patties for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Alternatively, bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 13-15 minutes.

2) Avocado Crab Boats

Avocado crab boats are a fun and tasty way to enjoy crab. These delicious treats combine fresh avocado with savory crab salad. They are perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

Start by preparing the crab filling. Mix lump crab meat with ingredients like yogurt, onions, and lemon juice for flavor. Once mixed, scoop out the avocado halves to create bowls.

Fill the avocado halves with the crab mixture. You can garnish with herbs like cilantro or chives for extra freshness. If you like, sprinkle some cheese on top before broiling for a few minutes to melt.

Enjoy these delightful avocado crab boats as a healthy and delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Optional: cheese for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat broiler to 450°F (232°C).
2. Mix crab meat, yogurt, red onion, and lemon juice in a bowl.
3. Halve and scoop out avocados.
4. Fill avocado halves with crab mixture.
5. Top with cheese if desired.
6. Broil for about 3 minutes, until cheese melts.

3) Crab-Stuffed Flounder

Crab-stuffed flounder is a delicious dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. The flounder fillets are filled with a tasty mixture of crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. It’s not only easy to make but also looks impressive for any dinner.

To start, you’ll need fresh flounder fillets and sweet crab meat. Mixing in ingredients like mayo and spices adds extra flavor. Baking the dish brings out all the tasty combinations.

This dish can be served with a side of vegetables or rice for a complete meal. You’ll enjoy how the flaky fish pairs with the savory stuffing.

Ingredients

• 2 flounder fillets
• 1 cup crab meat
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine crab meat, crushed crackers, mayonnaise, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of the mixture on each flounder fillet and fold over.
4. Arrange the fillets in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

4) Crab Pasta with Lemon Sauce

Crab pasta with lemon sauce is a delicious and simple dish. It offers a fresh taste that’s perfect for any occasion. You can whip it up quickly, making it great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

To prepare this dish, you’ll want to use fresh crab meat and a zesty lemon sauce. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich flavor that complements the crab perfectly.

Start by cooking your pasta of choice, like fettuccine or penne. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce in a skillet with garlic, butter, and lemon juice. Once the sauce is ready, mix in the crab until warmed through and toss everything together.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 8 ounces (225 grams) crab meat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

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

5) Spicy Chili Crab

Spicy chili crab is a delicious seafood dish that you can enjoy any time. This recipe features crabs cooked in a savory and spicy sauce made from chili paste and tomatoes. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes it a favorite for many.

To prepare this dish, start by cracking the crab shells slightly. This allows the sauce to soak in better. You’ll want to serve the crab hot, ideally with steamed buns to soak up the rich sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 large crabs (mud crabs are traditional)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean the crabs, then crack the shells to help the sauce penetrate.
2. Heat a pan and add the tomato sauce, chili paste, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Add the crabs to the pan and cover. Cook for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

6) Crab Louie Salad

Crab Louie Salad is a classic dish that combines fresh crab meat with crisp vegetables. You can enjoy the sweet flavor of crab mixed with crunchy lettuce and tender asparagus.

To prepare the salad, start with fresh Dungeness crab and layer it over a bed of leafy greens. Add tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado for extra taste and texture. The creamy dressing, usually made with mayonnaise and ketchup, brings everything together.

This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a fancy dinner. It’s also colorful and appealing on the plate, making it a great choice for gatherings.

Ingredients

• Fresh crab meat (Dungeness or lump)
• Iceberg or romaine lettuce
• Asparagus
• Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the crab meat and set it aside.
2. Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber.
3. Boil the asparagus until tender, then cool and cut.
4. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and lemon juice in a bowl.
5. Assemble the salad with crab and vegetables.
6. Drizzle dressing on top and serve.

7) Seafood Enchiladas with Crab

Seafood enchiladas with crab are a delicious way to enjoy seafood. These enchiladas are usually filled with a mix of crab, shrimp, and creamy sauces, creating a flavorful dish.

To prepare, you start by cooking your crab and shrimp. Mix them with cheese and seasonings for a tasty filling. Then, place the mixture in tortillas, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish.

Top your enchiladas with a creamy sauce and cheese before baking. Cook them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes until they are hot and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups crab meat
• 1 cup shrimp, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 8 flour tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crab, shrimp, and cheese in a bowl.
3. Fill tortillas with the mixture and roll them up.
4. Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
5. Pour enchilada sauce over them.
6. Top with sour cream and more cheese.
7. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until hot.

8) Air Fryer Crab Cakes

Air fryer crab cakes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy crab. This cooking method gives you crispy cakes without using much oil. You’ll love how quick they are to prepare.

To make these crab cakes, start by mixing lump crabmeat with ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and some bread crumbs. This mixture helps create a nice texture and flavor.

Next, form the mixture into patties. Place them in the air fryer, making sure they have space to cook evenly. Air fry them at 370°F (188°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even crisp.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lump crabmeat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix crabmeat, mayonnaise, Dijon, Old Bay, and bread crumbs.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
4. Place patties in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

9) Crab Beignets

Crab beignets are a delicious and fun way to enjoy crab. These tasty bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are perfect as an appetizer for parties or gatherings.

You can make them using fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor. Combine the crab with some creamy mascarpone, shallots, and chives for a rich filling. Then, coat them with a simple batter made of flour and beer before frying.

Fry the beignets in hot peanut oil at 375°F (190°C) until they are golden brown. Serve them warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Ingredients

• Fresh lump crab meat
• Mascarpone cheese
• Shallots
• Chives
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Beer
• Peanut oil (for frying)
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix crab meat, mascarpone, shallots, chives, and salt. Chill.
2. Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Gradually whisk in beer until blended.
4. Form crab mixture into balls and dip in batter.
5. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a pot.
6. Fry beignets until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

10) Crab Salad Tortilla Wraps

Crab salad tortilla wraps are a quick and tasty meal. You can make them for lunch or as a party snack. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

To start, mix crab meat, diced celery, and minced onion in a bowl. Then, add cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar to make it creamy.

Spread this mixture over each tortilla. Roll them tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill the wraps in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

When you’re ready to serve, slice the rolls into pinwheels. Enjoy them with cocktail sauce for a perfect dip!

Ingredients

• Crab meat
• Celery
• Onion
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix crab meat, celery, and onion in a bowl.
2. Add cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, and sugar.
3. Spread the mixture on tortillas.
4. Roll tortillas tightly and wrap in plastic wrap.
5. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
6. Slice into pinwheels and serve.

11) Crab Thermidor

Crab Thermidor is a classic and delicious dish that brings out the sweet flavors of crab meat. You can use either imitation crab or real crab, but fresh crab is especially tasty for special occasions.

This dish is made with a rich, creamy sauce that often includes butter, cream, and white wine. It’s baked to perfection, giving it a lovely golden top.

To make it easier, you can prepare the sauce quickly and mix in the crab meat before putting it in the oven. In no time, you’ll have a delightful meal to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked crab meat
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as Gruyère)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced shallot and sauté until tender.
4. Stir in the cream, white wine, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the crab meat and mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish and top with grated cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

12) Crab and Corn Chowder

Crab and corn chowder is a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It blends the sweet taste of corn with tender chunks of crab meat. The addition of bacon adds a savory flavor that makes it even more delicious.

You’ll start with fresh or frozen corn kernels. The creamy broth will bring everything together nicely. A mix of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery adds depth to the flavor.

For a kick, you can add a touch of jalapeño. It’s easy to customize this chowder based on your preferences. Serve it hot, and enjoy each satisfying spoonful.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
• 2 cups corn kernels
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy. Set aside.
2. In the same pot, add bell pepper, onion, and celery. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute.
4. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
5. Add corn and crab meat. Cook for 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

13) Fiery Crab Curry

Fiery Crab Curry is a delicious dish that brings a spicy kick to your dining table. The blend of fresh crab with aromatic spices creates a mouth-watering experience.

To make this curry, you will need cleaned crabs, ginger-garlic paste, and a mix of spices such as turmeric and chili powder. The heat from the chilies adds that fiery flavor you’ll love.

When cooking, sauté the spices first to release their aromas. Then, add the crabs and let them absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Serve it hot with rice or bread to soak up the spicy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 kg cleaned crabs
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 3-4 slit green chilies
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 1.5 liters water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pan, add the cleaned crabs and water.
2. Stir in ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chilies, chili powder, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the crabs are cooked through.

14) Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Crab-stuffed mushrooms are a delicious appetizer that is easy to make. You can impress your friends and family with this savory treat.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Choose fresh mushrooms and remove the stems. Mix crabmeat with green onions, herbs, and cheese for a tasty filling.

Once the filling is ready, stuff each mushroom cap generously. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.

Bake for about 20 minutes until they’re golden and bubbly. Enjoy these delightful bites hot out of the oven!

Ingredients

• 12 large mushrooms
• 1 cup crabmeat
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and clean the caps.
3. In a bowl, mix crabmeat, green onions, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
5. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.

15) Creamy Crab and Pasta Salad

Creamy crab and pasta salad is a delightful dish you can enjoy at picnics or as a quick lunch. The combination of tender pasta and crab meat in a rich dressing makes it a favorite.

To make this salad, you can use real or imitation crab meat. Adding crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and scallions gives it extra flavor and texture.

This salad is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a refreshing meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (like shells or bowties)
• 1 cup crab meat (real or imitation)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Then, drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream.
3. Add crab meat, bell pepper, and green onions.
4. Then, combine with pasta and season with salt and pepper.
5. Finally, chill before serving.