Recipe

20 Crab Meat Recipes To Tantalize Your Taste Buds

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Crab meat is best known for its sweet and delicate flavor. It stands out among other seafood options due to its unique texture, flavor, and versatility. Unlike fish, crab meat possesses a delicate sweetness that is often described as subtly nutty. 

Additionally, crab meat pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of ingredients and seasonings to be used in dishes such as crab cakes, crab bisque, or even in a simple crab salad.

It is low in fat, high in protein, and a good source of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. The texture of crab meat can range from tender to firm, depending on the species and cooking method. The following are 20 crab meat recipes you should try:

1. Classic Crab Cakes

Source : amindfullmom

These mouthwatering cakes are made from lump crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and various herbs and spices. The mixture is then shaped into patties and pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and moist on the inside.

The delicate sweetness of the crab meat is beautifully complemented by the savory flavors of the ingredients, creating a perfect balance of taste. Served with a tangy remoulade sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon, crab cakes are a true culinary delight that is elegant and comforting.

2. Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

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Often served as appetizers, crab-stuffed mushrooms combine the rich flavors of crab meat and earthy mushrooms. These bite-sized delights are easy to make and perfect for any gathering. The recipe typically involves a mixture of lump crab meat, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings, such as garlic and Old Bay seasoning.

After stuffing the mushroom caps with the crab mixture, they are baked until golden and bubbling. The cream cheese with sweet crab meat allows a medley of flavors in each bite.

3. Spicy Crab Pasta

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The bold flavor of crab is complemented by the comforting creaminess of pasta in this recipe. It typically features al dente pasta coated in a rich, spicy tomato sauce infused with garlic, chili flakes, and other aromatic spices. The star of the dish, succulent crab meat, adds a luxurious touch and a delightful seafood taste.

The combination of heat from the spices and the sweet, tender crab meat creates a harmonious explosion of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. The pasta adds the carb, while the crab is the source of protein. You can adjust the heat as per your preference.

4. Crab Rangoon

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This Chinese-American has a filling made with cream cheese, crab meat, and various seasonings, wrapped in a wonton wrapper and deep-fried until crispy and golden. The dish is believed to have originated in the 1950s in San Francisco.

The combination of creamy cheese and succulent crab creates a delightful taste that is both rich and savory. Often served with sweet and sour sauce or plum sauce for dipping, Crab Rangoon is loved for its crispy texture and flavorful filling. It has become a staple in many Asian-inspired restaurants in the US and worldwide.

5. Creamy Crab Bisque

Source : yestoyolks

Make sure to use fresh crab meat in this luscious and indulgent soup. The rich and velvety soup is prepared by sautéing onions, garlic, and celery in butter until they are soft and fragrant. Then, a generous amount of crabmeat is added, along with a touch of sherry.

To achieve its creamy texture, the mixture is blended with heavy cream and seafood broth. Garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot. Many like to eat this with a side of freshly made white bread, but you can also pair this with your favorite pasta recipe for more carbs.

6. Corn and Crab Chowder

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As the second soup recipe on this list, corn and crab chowder is a perfect choice for chilly evenings or a warm, satisfying lunch. The soup typically includes ingredients such as fresh corn kernels, succulent crab meat, potatoes, onions, and a creamy base made with milk or cream.

To balance the sweetness from the corn and crab and the heaviness from the cream, add lemon juice and some white wine. Once the wine has cooked off and you have attained your desired consistency of the soup, garnish it with fresh herbs. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be served as an appetizer or a main course. 

7. Linguine with Crab

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If you're a fan of pasta, this recipe will hit just the right spot. It is both satisfying and indulgent. The crab meat is often gently sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili flakes for some heat. Cook the linguine to an al dente to provide a firm yet tender base for the succulent crab meat. The dish is then finished with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. 

This seafood pasta dish combines crab meat with the richness of linguine pasta and is perfect for a lazy weeknight. You can replace the white sauce with a red sauce if you're watching your waistline.

8. California Roll

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The California Roll is a popular sushi roll that originated in Los Angeles in the 1960s. It is a maki roll that typically consists of crab meat, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in sushi rice and seaweed. Unlike traditional sushi rolls, the California Roll is unique because it is inside-out, meaning the rice is on the outside, and the seaweed is on the inside.

The crab's taste blends seamlessly with the other ingredients like fresh avocado, cucumber, and creamy Japanese mayo. The crab adds a refreshing oceanic note to the roll.

9. Crab Empanadas

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Have you wondered what it would be like to blend Latin flavors with rich, creamy seafood? Well, wonder no more because this recipe will tell it all. The succulent flavors of crab meat pair well with the flaky crust of an empanada. The pastries are filled with a savory mixture of crab meat, onions, garlic, and various Latin spices. You can add potatoes and some cheese to the filling if you like.

For a healthier version, bake the empanadas instead of frying to enjoy the crispiness while also looking after your heart. It is usually served with a flavorful garlic aioli and a side of refried beans or just spicy salsa.

10. Crab-Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Try this recipe for the next putlock. The vibrant colors of the peppers make for an eye-catching presentation, while the tender and succulent crab filling adds a burst of flavor. Begin by hollowing out fresh bell peppers and blanching them to perfection. Meanwhile, prepare stuffing by combining succulent crab meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a medley of aromatic herbs. 

Gently fold in a touch of lemon juice and mayonnaise to create a creamy consistency. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and bake until the peppers turn tender. Enjoy this irresistible recipe as an appetizer or a main course, and savor every bite!

11. Asparagus Risotto with Crab

Source : jamieoliver

A risotto is a creamy and rich Italian rice dish that doesn't go well with the regular protein options but pairs well with seafood. Crabs make for a perfect match because of the tender sweetness of the flesh. The tender asparagus spears provide much needed earthy tones to this recipe.

The arborio rice is cooked slowly in a flavorful broth, allowing it to absorb the essence of the ingredients. Add the crab and asparagus so as to balance out the flavors. Finally, the risotto is finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty and salty kick.

12. Crabmeat Deviled Eggs

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Crabmeat deviled eggs are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. These delectable treats combine the creamy richness of deviled eggs with the briny, sweet flavor of fresh crab meat. The eggs are hard-boiled and halved, with the yolks mixed with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a touch of Old Bay seasoning.

The mixture is then generously spooned back into the egg whites, creating a smooth and flavorful filling. Finally, a generous amount of lump crabmeat is delicately placed on top, adding a luxurious texture and a burst of seafood flavor. Introduce these elegant bite-sized appetizers to your next family gathering.

13. Avocado and Crab Ceviche

Source : midwexican

Perfect during the Cinco De Mayo, this refreshing twist on the classic dish is like sunshine on a bowl. You can pair this with chips, guacamole and a glass of chilled beer. The crispy tortilla chips and a bed of lettuce elevate the experience to new levels.  

This Latin American-inspired dish is typically made by marinating fresh crab meat in a zesty mixture of lime juice, cilantro, red onion, and chili peppers. The addition of creamy avocado adds a smooth texture and balances out the tangy flavors. This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy choice, packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.

14. Hot Spinach and Crab Dip

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Most would think that seafood isn't the best addition to a dip, but we would like to disagree. This dip is not only delicious but also healthy with the green, vibrant spinach. The rich flavors of spinach pair well with the creamy consistency of crab meat. You can season the dip as per your liking but we would recommend Mexican seasoning with a kick.

You can serve this as it is but baking it adds a new texture to this dish. Finally, serve it with crispy tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices as an appetizer or just an afternoon snack.

15. Crab-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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The boats in this recipe are made by scooping out the center of zucchini halves and filling them with a mixture of crab meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. These are then baked until tender and golden, creating a delicious and visually appealing dish.

This dish results in an impressive presentation and is packed with nutrients. So, if you're looking to impress your guests at the next family gathering, get some fresh zucchini and delicate crab meat in this medley of flavors.

16. Seafood Boil

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A traditional seafood boil is made with various types of shellfish, spices, and vegetables. This popular dish originated in the Southern United States, particularly in Louisiana, and has gained widespread popularity across the country.

In this recipe, we use shrimp and crab cooked in a flavorful broth infused with spices like Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, and garlic. Alongside the seafood, corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausages are often added to the boil for more flavor. The dish is traditionally served on a large communal table, where everyone can dig in, creating a lively and festive dining experience.

17. Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breast

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This dish is a perfect fusion of land and sea, offering a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. The chicken breast is carefully butterflied and filled with a rich mixture of crabmeat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. The dish is then baked or pan-seared. This will make sure that your chicken is not dry.

You can even add cheese to the stuffing to prepare a creamy consistency. Serve this with a glass of red wine for a romantic weekend dinner.

18. Spicy Crab Meat Frittata

Source : thewrightbrothers

This savory frittata is made by whisking eggs with cream and mixing in succulent crab meat, red bell peppers, onions, and a medley of aromatic spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.

To make this frittata, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and red bell peppers until soft. Then, add in the crab meat and cook until heated through. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour the egg mixture over the crab meat and vegetables and cook until the edges are set. The mixture is then poured into a hot skillet and cooked until golden brown and fluffy.

19. Crab Macaroni and Cheese

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Crab meat makes perfect sense on the classic mac and cheese. It enhances the overall texture of the dish and makes it even more creamy.  The addition of tender crab meat elevates the dish to new heights, providing bursts of briny flavor and a hint of the sea.

You can either use al dente macaroni or corkscrew pasta so that the pasta can soak in the creamy pasta sauce. Flavor your cheese sauce with some cayenne pepper for a spice kick. Broil the macaroni and cheese to create the crispy cheesy top.

20. Crab Salad

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Nothing says summer like a creamy seafood salad. Often made with shrimp, crabs can add a new layer of ocean flavors and creaminess. Fresh veggies like onions, tomatoes, and lettuce create a refreshing texture. Use a zesty dressing and top it up with some fresh herbs.

You can make this with imitation crab, but the whole thing is much better with the real thing. Serve this with lettuce wraps, crackers or toasty subs and enjoy!