Crab meat adds a touch of luxury to any meal, with its sweet and delicate flavor. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or looking for a new appetizer idea, crab recipes offer versatility and impressive results.
You can use fresh or canned crab meat to create these dishes, making them accessible for any budget or occasion.
These 21 best crab meat recipes cover everything from classic crab cakes and dips to creative options like crab mac and cheese and stuffed peppers. The collection includes appetizers, main dishes, and sides that showcase this premium seafood.
With these recipes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality seafood dishes in the comfort of your own home without advanced cooking skills.
1. Classic Maryland Crab Cakes
Maryland crab cakes are famous for their generous use of lump crab meat with minimal filler. The key to authentic crab cakes is letting the sweet crab flavor shine through.
To make them at home, you’ll need fresh lump crab meat, a touch of mayonnaise, and Old Bay seasoning. Many recipes include a small amount of bread crumbs or crushed crackers to help bind the mixture.
Lemon, parsley, and a bit of mustard add subtle flavor without overwhelming the delicate crab. Be sure to pick through your crab meat to remove any shells before mixing.
For the best results, refrigerate your crab cake mixture before forming patties and frying until golden brown.
2. Lemon Butter Crab Pasta
Lemon butter crab pasta combines tender crab meat with a light, flavorful sauce. This dish is quick to prepare but tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.
The sauce mixes butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and sometimes white wine for depth. These simple ingredients let the sweet crab flavor shine through.
You can use any pasta shape, though linguine and spaghetti work particularly well. The pasta holds the sauce nicely, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
For the best results, use fresh crab meat if possible. The delicate texture pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon butter sauce.
3. Crab Imperial
Crab Imperial is a classic dish that showcases jumbo lump crabmeat in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This elegant meal is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
To make Crab Imperial, you’ll combine lump crabmeat with a mixture of mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Some recipes add bell peppers, shallots, and herbs like parsley and tarragon for extra flavor.
After mixing the ingredients, simply bake until golden brown on top. The dish is often topped with Parmesan cheese before baking for a delicious crust.
Crab Imperial lets the sweet flavor of the crab shine through, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress dinner guests.
4. Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab-stuffed mushrooms make an impressive appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. You can make them in about 20 minutes, perfect for entertaining guests.
The basic recipe combines crab meat with cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Garlic, green onions, and parsley add fresh flavor to the mixture.
Start by coating mushroom caps with olive oil. Then fill them with the crab mixture and bake until golden.
For extra richness, some recipes include a buttery wine sauce and extra cheese on top. Hand-picked crab meat works best, creating a perfect balance of gourmet flavor and comfort food.
5. Spicy Crab Rolls
Spicy crab rolls combine the best of sushi and spring rolls for a delicious appetizer. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start with imitation crab sticks, shredded into thin pieces. Mix them with kewpie mayonnaise and spicy ingredients like sriracha, cayenne powder, or sweet Thai chili sauce.
For the traditional sushi version, spread seasoned sushi rice on a nori sheet, add your spicy crab mixture, and roll tightly. For spring roll versions, wrap the mixture in spring roll wrappers.
These rolls work great for parties and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.
6. Crab Rangoon
Crab Rangoon is a popular appetizer made with wonton wrappers filled with a creamy mixture. The filling typically contains cream cheese, crab meat, green onions, and garlic.
You can make this tasty treat at home with simple ingredients. Most recipes call for about 8 ounces of cream cheese and a similar amount of crab meat, along with seasonings like soy sauce.
After filling the wonton wrappers, you can either bake or fry them until they’re crispy on the outside. When done right, Crab Rangoon has a crunchy exterior with a hot, creamy center that oozes with each bite.
Serve these delicious bites with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
7. Garlic Butter Crab Legs
Garlic butter crab legs make a delicious meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. You can have this flavorful dish ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick but impressive dinner.
The recipe works well with different crab varieties, including snow crab and Dungeness crab. The key ingredient is a rich garlic butter sauce that adds incredible flavor to the sweet crab meat.
To make the sauce, melt high-quality butter and add plenty of minced fresh garlic and chopped parsley. Some recipes include additional spices for extra flavor depth.
You can baste the crab legs with the butter mixture, creating a deliciously messy but satisfying seafood experience.
8. Crab Melt Sandwich
The crab melt sandwich is a delicious seafood treat that combines fresh crab meat with melted cheese. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or cut into smaller portions as an appetizer.
To make this sandwich, you’ll need crab meat, mayonnaise, and your choice of cheese. Gruyere works wonderfully, but any melting cheese will do.
Many recipes use sourdough bread or English muffins as the base. The bread is topped with a creamy crab mixture, often seasoned with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Add sliced tomatoes for extra flavor before topping with cheese and broiling until bubbly and golden. Pair with a salad for a complete meal.
9. Crab and Corn Chowder
Crab and corn chowder combines sweet corn kernels with flavorful crab meat in a creamy, satisfying soup. This hearty dish works well as a main course when paired with crusty garlic bread.
The chowder typically includes potatoes for thickness and bacon for a salty contrast to the sweetness of the corn and crab. Fresh corn cut from the cob provides the best flavor, but frozen corn works in a pinch.
For richness, heavy cream is stirred in near the end of cooking. Season your chowder with paprika, salt, and pepper, then garnish with green onions and a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
10. Crab Bisque
Crab bisque is a luxurious soup that transforms crab meat into a silky, flavorful dish. You can make this restaurant-quality meal at home with simple ingredients.
Start by melting butter in a pot and sautéing celery, onion, and garlic. Add seasonings like paprika, thyme, and seafood seasoning to build flavor.
For extra depth, some recipes call for making crab stock by roasting shells first. This step is optional but enhances the crab flavor.
Finish your bisque with heavy cream and lump crab meat. The result is a rich, creamy soup that’s ready in about 30 minutes – perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
11. Old Bay Crab Fries
Old Bay Crab Fries combine two Maryland favorites – french fries and crab meat. These tasty treats feature crispy fries seasoned with the distinctive flavor of Old Bay seasoning.
To make them, bake or fry your favorite type of french fries until crispy. Waffle fries work especially well for this recipe. Toss the hot fries with Old Bay seasoning.
Top your seasoned fries with lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Many recipes include a creamy sauce made with ingredients like cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
Some versions add melted cheddar cheese before piling on the crab meat. You can serve these as an appetizer or a side dish.
12. Crab Mac and Cheese
Crab Mac and Cheese takes a classic comfort food to luxurious heights by adding sweet, tender lump crab meat. The dish combines a creamy cheese sauce with pasta and generous portions of crab.
Most recipes use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, often mixed with others for extra creaminess and flavor depth. Old Bay seasoning is a popular addition that complements the crab perfectly.
For the ultimate finish, top your Crab Mac and Cheese with buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking. This creates a delicious crunchy contrast to the creamy interior.
You can prepare this indulgent dish either as a stovetop version or baked casserole depending on your preference.
13. Crabmeat Omelette
A crabmeat omelette brings fancy restaurant flavor to your breakfast table. This dish combines fluffy eggs with rich crabmeat for a protein-packed meal.
You can use Dungeness crab or jumbo lump crabmeat for the best flavor. Some recipes add mushrooms and Swiss cheese to create depth of flavor.
For extra richness, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese or mayonnaise to your egg mixture before cooking.
You can customize your crabmeat omelette by adding spinach, herbs, or even shrimp for variety. Serve it with toast or a light salad for a complete meal.
14. Crab Salad with Avocado
Crab salad with avocado combines creamy textures with fresh flavors for a delicious meal. You can make this recipe with lump crab meat, which works best for its chunky texture.
Mix your crab meat with mayonnaise, lime juice, and a touch of sriracha or soy sauce for flavor. Add diced red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes for crunch.
Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten the dish, while sesame oil and seeds can add depth. Serve the mixture in avocado halves for an elegant presentation.
This light, refreshing salad works perfectly as a lunch or appetizer. You can customize it with jalapeño for heat or cumin for extra warmth.
15. Baked Crab Dip
Baked crab dip is a warm, creamy appetizer that’s perfect for parties. You’ll need cream cheese, sour cream, and the best lump crab meat you can find.
Many recipes include additional ingredients like artichoke bottoms, Cheddar cheese, and bell peppers for extra flavor. Green onions, mayonnaise, and garlic are common additions too.
To prepare, simply mix all ingredients together and transfer to a buttered casserole dish. Top with more cheese and bake in a preheated oven until hot and bubbly.
This crowd-pleasing dip is ready in about 30 minutes. Serve with crackers or bread for a delicious starter that will impress your guests.
16. Crab Gumbo
Crab Gumbo is a classic Creole dish that combines the sweet flavor of crab meat with a rich, flavorful broth. This traditional stew starts with a roux base, which gives it depth and color.
The dish typically includes the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking – onions, bell peppers, and celery. Many recipes also add okra, which helps thicken the gumbo naturally.
You can make your gumbo with just crab meat or combine it with other seafood like shrimp. Some variations even include sausage, oysters, or crawfish for additional flavor.
When preparing crab for gumbo, steam it until the meat becomes opaque and flaky, about 18-20 minutes. Serve your finished gumbo over hot rice for a complete meal.
17. Crab Alfredo Pasta
Crab Alfredo Pasta combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy sauce and sweet lump crab meat. This dish feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
The key to a great Crab Alfredo is a smooth, buttery sauce that coats each strand of fettuccine. Many recipes use half-and-half or heavy cream as the base, with plenty of Parmesan cheese for flavor.
Old Bay seasoning adds a nice kick to complement the delicate crab flavor. You can use either fresh or canned lump crab meat depending on your budget and availability.
For a lighter version, try substituting fat-free half-and-half and a heart-healthy spread instead of butter.
18. Crab-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Crab-stuffed bell peppers make an impressive dish that’s actually simple to prepare. You start by sautéing vegetables like onions and green onions in butter or margarine until tender.
Mix the sautéed vegetables with lump crab meat and breadcrumbs for a delicious filling. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of cayenne for heat.
Bell peppers can be any color – red, yellow, or green – just cut the tops off and remove the seeds. Fill them with your crab mixture and bake until the peppers soften.
Some recipes include rice in the stuffing for extra texture. Others add shrimp alongside the crab for a seafood medley that’s sure to impress your dinner guests.
19. Crab Cake Benedict
Crab Cake Benedict is a luxurious twist on the classic Eggs Benedict. It replaces the traditional Canadian bacon with a Maryland-style crab cake.
The dish starts with a toasted English muffin as the base. Then comes a flavorful crab cake made with fresh lump crab meat.
A perfectly poached egg sits on top of the crab cake. The creation is completed with a drizzle of homemade hollandaise sauce, sometimes seasoned with Old Bay for extra flavor.
You can enhance this brunch favorite with baby arugula or a touch of lemon in the hollandaise. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home.
20. Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup
Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup, known as Bún Riêu, is a light and flavorful dish that showcases the delicate taste of crab meat. This soup features a pork-based broth filled with tomatoes and topped with a mixture of crab paste and eggs.
To assemble your bowl, start with cooked rice vermicelli noodles. Then ladle over the soup with crab-pork patties, tomatoes, and tofu. The combination creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
You can garnish your soup with fresh herbs and bean sprouts for added crunch. This dish is especially refreshing in spring and makes for a quick yet satisfying meal when you’re craving something both light and filling.
21. Crab Spring Rolls
Crab spring rolls are a delicious appetizer that combines the sweetness of crab meat with fresh vegetables. You can make them using either real crab meat or imitation crab, depending on your budget and preferences.
These spring rolls are typically wrapped in rice paper for a fresh version or wonton wrappers for a crispy fried option. Many recipes include ingredients like cucumber, carrots, avocado, and vermicelli noodles to complement the crab.
For a flavor boost, try adding a spicy element similar to spicy sushi rolls. Some versions include cream cheese for a creamier filling, similar to crab rangoon but in spring roll form.
You can serve them with dipping sauces like sweet chili, peanut, or soy sauce for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Crab Meat
Crab meat offers impressive nutritional value with relatively few calories. This seafood choice packs essential vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein that can support your overall health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Crab meat is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which helps maintain nerve function and produce DNA. A 3-ounce serving provides more than 100% of your recommended daily intake of this important vitamin.
Crab also contains significant amounts of zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing. You’ll find selenium in crab meat too, a mineral that acts as an antioxidant in your body.
The meat offers copper, which works with iron to form red blood cells, and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth. It also provides some vitamin A, vitamin C, and various B vitamins that help convert food into energy.
Despite its rich taste, crab meat is surprisingly low in calories—only about 87 calories per 3-ounce serving.
Protein Content
Crab meat stands out as one of the best dietary sources of protein available. A 3-ounce serving contains approximately 50 grams of high-quality protein.
The protein in crab is complete, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. This makes it an excellent option for muscle maintenance and growth.
Your body can easily digest crab protein, allowing for efficient absorption of these valuable nutrients. This digestibility makes crab an excellent protein choice for people of various ages.
Crab provides this substantial protein content with very little fat—only about 3 grams per serving. Most importantly, crab meat contains virtually no saturated fat, making it heart-healthy compared to many other protein sources.
How to Select Fresh Crab Meat
Choosing high-quality crab meat is essential for any crab recipe to shine. Freshness and proper storage determine both flavor and texture in your finished dish.
Identifying Quality Crab Meat
When selecting fresh crab meat, trust your senses. High-quality crab meat should be primarily white with perhaps some light pink or red tones. The texture should be moderately firm, not mushy or slimy.
Fresh crab meat has a mild, sweet scent of the ocean. If it smells strongly fishy or has an ammonia-like odor, it’s past its prime. Don’t purchase it.
Look for moisture content too. Good crab meat should appear moist but not swimming in liquid. Excess liquid often indicates improper storage or age.
For whole crabs, check that they feel heavy for their size. Light crabs may have less meat. The shell should be intact without cracks, and if buying live crabs, they should show movement when touched.
Understanding Labels and Certifications
Crab meat comes in several grades, each suited for different recipes:
- Jumbo lump – large pieces from the swimming fins, perfect for crab cocktails or simple preparations
- Lump – smaller pieces, good for crab cakes
- Backfin – broken pieces of lump meat, works well in dips and casseroles
- Special – smaller pieces from the body, ideal for soups and pastas
- Claw – darker meat with stronger flavor, excellent in hearty dishes
Make sure to check for sustainability certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue label. This ensures your crab comes from responsibly managed fisheries.
“Fresh pasteurized” crab is a good alternative to truly fresh crab. It’s been heated to kill bacteria but maintains good texture and flavor.
