From creamy bisque and zesty pizza to cheesy quesadillas and timeless crab cakes, they do not disappoint. Crab meat is a versatile protein loaded with nutrients and flavor. And whether it’s baked, broiled, grilled, or roasted, there isn’t a wrong way to cook this tender seafood. So, grab a fork and get ready to dive into some of the most decadent crab meat recipes you’ll ever try!
1. Easy Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a notoriously delicious way to cook up crab meat. These babies are so easy to make and take just a handful of ingredients. The soft, tender crab is covered in a crispy crust from pan-frying. You’re just seven ingredients and thirty minutes away from meaty, flavorful crab cakes!
2. Crabbies
Cheesy crab meat and carbs? I’m so down! Between the creamy, cheesy crab meat and soft English muffins, crabbies are a tasty appetizer that I could easily eat as an entree! The cheesy mixture bubbles and browns while baking, making these toasty and delicious.
3. Linguine With Crab
Lemon and butter are so often used when cooking seafood because they’re light, rich, and terrific flavor enhancers. So it’s no surprise that this pasta dish is beyond delicious! Tossed in such fresh, light flavors, the crab meat can really shine. This pasta has tasty cheese and breadcrumbs to top it all off. Be warned; you will go back for seconds!
4. Maryland Style Crab Imperial
Crab Imperial is a traditional way of preparing lump crab meat. And this luxurious main course is one you have to try at home! The imperial sauce is made with mayonnaise, egg, and seasonings. Toss the crab in this sauce, then bake until golden brown. I usually serve Crab Imperial with crusty bread and spring salad. Yum!
5. Crab Salad
Crab salad has some serious summer vibes, and I’m so ready for it! I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a cool, creamy seafood salad. And while this recipe calls for imitation crab, it’s all the better with the real thing. Mayo, celery, dill, lemon juice, and onion are all you need to add. Mix it up and serve with crackers, lettuce wraps, or toasty subs!
6. Crab Bisque
Crab bisque is one of the most sophisticated soups around. This recipe is smooth, creamy, and luxuriously thick. Adding heavy cream and crab meat makes it even more scrumptious! The first step of this recipe is making your own shellfish stock. Of course, you can use vegetable or store-bought.
7. Crab Macaroni and Cheese
Crab meat meets potluck in this beautiful twist on mac & cheese. Cheesy noodles and crab are a match made in heaven. And though this is a more frugal recipe, it doesn’t lack flavor. The ingredient list looks a bit long, but it’s worth the effort! Each ingredient adds one more level of deliciousness.
8. Crab Meat Casserole
This ain’t your grandma’s casserole! Loaded with crab meat, cheese, and loads of creamy goodness, this dish is bubbly and to die for. Serve warm as a dip with crackers or as a main dish with veggies. You can’t go wrong.
9. Crab Pasta Salad
This beachy pasta salad is bursting with flavor and totally satisfies your seafood cravings. Start with a bed of tender pasta shells and crab meat, then add veggies and a creamy dressing of mayo, dill, and chives. All that’s left is to dish it up and enjoy! Trust me, enjoying this pasta salad is the easiest part!
10. Crab Rangoon
Every time I’m at an Asian restaurant, I have to order crab rangoons. So now I make them at home and never miss out on my favorite appetizer! It only takes a few ingredients to make the cream cheese and crab filling. And if you use readymade Rangoon wrappers, they’ll be ready in a flash. These are an excellent party starter – if you’re willing to share, that is!
11. Crab Enchiladas
Seafood and enchiladas. Does it get any better? Cheesy crab and creamy chili sauce wrapped in corn tortillas…I’m drooling already. All this goodness is baked in the remaining sauce and bubbly cheese until you can’t take any more. Watch your tongue – these babies are hot!
12. Crab Hush Puppies
Sure, you can have cornmeal hush puppies with your crab legs. But this recipe is on a whole other level! Imagine your favorite soft yet crispy hush puppies with crab meat added in. Sounds addictive, huh? Do yourself a favor and serve these with homemade remoulade sauce!
13. Crab Cake Burgers
Let’s be honest: crab is finger food, no matter how messy it can be. So, why not ditch the napkins and serve your favorite crustacean as a burger instead? Mayo and Old Bay is the perfect addition to these crab cake patties. Your guests will obsess over these delicious burgers at your next barbeque!
14. Crab Quiche
Brunch has always been such a sophisticated meal to me. And this crab quiche is proof. Eggs, veggies, lump crab meat, and cheese come together for a delicious and savory morning dish. I love serving this with some furikake for extra seafood flavor. Of course, a dash of hot sauce helps too.
15. Crab Tacos
Tacos are the ultimate way to serve…well, anything. And while anyone can make chicken tacos, imagine how impressed everyone will be when you roll out a tray of crab meat tacos! You’ll need roasted bell peppers, crab meat, cilantro, Oaxaca cheese, and sour cream. Add a bit of Old Bay to the crema for delicious Creole sauce.
16. Spicy Crab Meat Frittata
Frittatas are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser, whether making this for yourself or your family. They’re like omelets; only they have a toasty touch. Add cheese before broiling for an extra bubbly crust. This recipe is fabulous with creamy avocado toast.
17. Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Easy appetizers that wow are always welcome in my book! You’ll have unparalleled flavors and some pretty terrific textures in less than thirty minutes. A simple crab meat mixture is stuffed into mushroom caps and baked. Your guests will be begging for this recipe after just one bite!
18. Creamy Crab Soup
The title is deceiving – this is a creamy crab chowder if I’ve ever seen one. Potatoes, crab, veggies, and warm spices make for a filling soup that’s super hearty, creamy, and flavorful. Ready to serve in thirty minutes, this is one recipe I come back to time and time again.
19. Open-Faced Crab Sandwiches
Okay, where were these hot sandwiches when I was a kid? Tomatoes, creamy crab salad, English muffins, and cheese are layered before broiling. This delicious meal is everything you could ask for in a hot sandwich. Though they’re fantastic on their own, I like to serve them with sweet potato fries.
20. Tomato Bacon and Crab Grilled Cheese
This is one fancy grilled cheese! Buttery crab meat is sandwiched with tomato, bacon, and mozzarella. Yum! They might take longer to make, but you can’t deny they look a million times more delicious than any sliced cheese sandwich.
21. Crab Avocado Ceviche
Looking for a new partner for corn chips? This has to be it! This delicious dish includes avocado, cilantro, peppers, onion, and crab meat. And if you’re worried about eating the “raw” fish element of ceviche, fret not. This recipe uses cooked crab meat.
22. Crab Rolls
These crab rolls are unlike any other seafood salad sandwich you’ll ever have. Tossed in butter, mayo, lemon, and Old Bay, the crab meat is wonderfully rich. Pair it with a soft, toasted bun, and you’ve got one helluva lunch. Oh, and don’t forget the pickles!
23. Seafood Gumbo
The best seafood gumbo is an affair of tastes and textures. This seafood boil is loaded with savory Cajun flavor and tons of meat, including crab meat, shrimp, and andouille sausage. The aromatic vegetables, herbs, and amber beer make for a robust and deep broth. Every bite is a surprise and more delicious than the last.
24. Crab Dip
Look out spinach and artichoke; there’s a new dip in town! Lump crab meat is best when mixed with cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Of course, warm spices and bubbly cheddar cheese help, too! Anything else will seem lackluster after tasting this delicious baked crab dip.
25. Cream Cheese Crab Spread
This recipe is a terrific conversation starter and such a fun appetizer spread. You’ll make a log with crab and cream cheese, serving a lovely, homemade tangy cocktail sauce on top. This cheese spread is divine whether served with toasted crostini or hearty crackers!
26. Crab Fried Rice
Fried rice is an easy way to make any protein into a filling meal. And this easy dinner is so comforting and unique! The beautiful Thai flavors perfectly compliment the lump crab meat, leaving you full and happy at the end of the day. Use up day-old rice and get lost in a hot bowl of succulent crab-fried rice.
27. Crab Salad Tortilla Wraps
Crab can often feel like a heavy dish, especially when it’s loaded with butter. But this wrap recipe is cool, refreshing, and everything you need for a lovely light lunch. Inside the soft tortillas, you’ll add a lightly sweet crab salad of hard-boiled eggs, cream cheese, and shredded lettuce. Add in other veggies like bell pepper and spinach for more texture and a few pops of color.
28. Crab Salad Panini
Load up thick sourdough bread with your favorite crab salad, press, and enjoy. How’s that for an easy crab dinner? You’ll love the crispy bread packed with spicy crab. This recipe uses tabasco and Worcestershire sauce to marry umami and spicy flavors. What more could you ask for?
29. Maryland Crab Pizza
Bougie pizza is totally in, and I’m always down for it. Topped with luscious crab, ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, this might not be one for the kids. I think it’s even better with hot sauce too!
30. Crab Meat Quesadillas
Craving crab but tight on time? Try this recipe for a quick and yummy dinner! This is an excellent use for leftover crab legs! Mix up crab meat, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mayo, and chiles. Pile all that goodness into a tortilla, and voila! This just may be the trick to introducing seafood to picky eaters!
31. Crab-Stuffed Salmon
Looking for a succulent, show-stopping dinner? This is it. Beautiful pink salmon overflowing with a creamy crab mixture and topped off with golden breadcrumbs. It’s downright decadent. I recommend serving with wild rice or risotto and asparagus spears.
32. Crab Cake Stuffed Shrimp
Is eating appetizers for dinner a thing? It is in my house! The combo of jumbo shrimp and savory crab cakes is so good you won’t want to put these down. Construction may be a little tricky, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.
33. Easy Sushi Bake
This indulgent crab sushi bake is so simple to make and is full of flavor! You’ll layer sushi rice with a creamy crab filling, and top with spicy mayo and furikake. Serve with sheets of nori paper, and enjoy! The flavors in this recipe are unbelievably rich and delicious. Who knew sushi could be so easy? Click on a star to rate it!
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