35 Insanely Delicious Crab Recipes To Try

Crab is a delicate, yet strong flavored and delicious meat that is a food staple for any person that lives near the coast. Some people hate it, but most of us just can’t get enough of the taste of crab.

The problem is that a lot of us tend to eat crab in the same way, either as just a simple side, maybe in a roll, or as part of an overall sauce. This isn’t bad, but why have two or three ways of doing crab, when you can have many.

As such, we have decided to create a list of the best crab dishes that you can make around.

There are just so many to choose from and should you be getting the craving for crab, we think we can in turn give you some ideas of how you can go about enjoying it in a way you haven’t before.

1. Crab Cakes

The easiest and most common way to eat crab is by eating crab cakes. These little, round balls of goodness are just crab meat mixed with seasoning, breadcrumbs, an egg, and some mayonnaise.

Pan-fried or roasted in the oven, these little cakes may be simple, but they are absolutely wonderful and definitely a family favorite that everyone can enjoy.

2. Crabbies

If you haven’t heard of crabbies before, they are a bit like crabby cheese toasties, where the bread is replaced by English muffins.

You mix some cream cheese and crab meat together with some seasoning, spread on the muffin and bake for 10 minutes. This creates a simple but absolutely divine little dish that is an absolute lunchtime treat.

3. Linguine With Crab

Linguine with Crab is a simple Italian pasta dish that works well as a starter. As it relies on very little other than crab, pasta, wine, and lemon, the flavors from all are able to come through.

Although it is served as a starter, you could easily use it as a main course should you have a larger appetite and desire to eat more.

4. Crab Salad

A crab salad is a salad that incorporates crab and relies on its strong flavor, along with a few other ingredients as a dressing.

To make a crab salad, you would want to add lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, and some other vegetables along with the crab meat and a creamy, seasoned dressing. That’s it. So simple, yet so good.

5. Crab Bisque

Bisque is a showcase of decadence, and none are more decadent than a crab bisque. A crab bisque is a creamy soup that uses a lot of crab as one of its main ingredients.

Wonderfully smooth and impossibly rich, this soup would warm the coldest heart on the iciest winter’s day. If you feel a chill coming on and have an afternoon free, you should definitely give it a go.

6. Crab Macaroni And Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is one of the most popular dishes ever devised, but by adding crab, you add an explosion of flavor.

This dish uses the same ingredients, but instead of using just cheese in the sauce, it uses cheese and crab.

This is a simple dish to make and one that is great for adults and culinary curious kids, who want to taste something flavorful.

7. Crab Rangoon

If you are at an Asian restaurant, normally a plate of Rangoon makes its way to the table somehow.

Rangoon is a dish that is popular in many cuisines and is a kind of dumpling that is filled with a variety of different ingredients.

When it comes to crab rangoon, it is a crab-based filling that is wrapped inside some dough and then deep-fried. This is a delicious dish that can be served as a starter or as part of a meal.

8. Crab Enchiladas

Enchiladas are an iconic Mexican dish that has meat and vegetables wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in cheese and a red sauce before being baked. Replacing the meat for crab meat, takes the dish from great to divine.

This is a delicious dish and – while it can be a little fiddly to make – it is almost impossible to disappoint anyone with it.

9. Crab Cake Burgers

Crab cakes are a dish that are simple, easy, and everyone has had one, so why not jazz them up a little and make them into a burger?

Crab cake burgers are basically burger patties that are made with crab instead of beef already, and by making this delicious variation on the classic burger, it is certain to be enjoyed by all.

10. Crab Quiché

Admit it, who’s been to a potluck and not seen Quiché? It is the ultimate fancy party food! Soft savory pastry, filled to the brim with cheese and eggy custard.

But you can definitely do one better by making a Crab Quiché. It will make you look like the best cook, while still keeping the actual cooking relatively simple.

11. Singapore-Style Crab Noodles

Singaporeans love crab. It forms the basis for most of their national dishes and while a lot of those dishes are difficult to make, crab noodles are not.

It is a simple stir-fry that requires only crab meat, noodles, coconut milk, and curry powder, with everything else being optional.

The cooking time is a maximum of 30 minutes and is a great quick meal for after work.

12. Maryland-Style Crab Imperial

Crab Imperial is the original decadent crab dish, and it’s easy to understand why. It is made with crab meat that is mixed with a rich lemon, parsley, and egg sauce, coated in a light seasoning before being baked to a beautiful golden brown.

The flavors are incredible and serving it with crusty or toasted bread and some side salad really enhances the entire experience.

13. Crab Pasta Salad

Crab pasta salad is just like a regular pasta salad, but with crab meat thrown in. It is a simple dish to make, it is easy to store away for later eating, and it is a great dish to take to a potluck or a barbecue.

There are other recipes that use pasta, but this one is the best because the crab perfectly compliments and brings out the flavor of the salad dressing, plus, it makes the dish that bit stronger and more filling.

14. Crab Tacos

Crab tacos are one of the best ways to enjoy crab if you are looking for something a little different. The tacos are served with a sour cream sauce that is flavored with cilantro and lime, giving them an authentic and fresh flavor.

They are easy to make, they taste fantastic, and they are a great choice to give a twist to your normal crab dinner.

15. Spicy Crab Frittata

A frittata is like an omelet, but toasted with a thicker base and more ingredients. Anything can be added to a frittata, but crab works marvelously, especially a spicy crab frittata, which is flavored with a peppery sauce and is a great way of eating crab.

You can alter the recipe to make it spicier or milder depending on your tastes, and it can be eaten hot or cold, making it a great dish to store away for later.

16. Crab Souffle

Souffles are a very light and fluffy dish that are difficult to make properly. However, they are beloved for being delicious and have a very light, airy texture.

Crab meat in souffle is great for the fact that crabs accentuate this amazing texture with strong flavor. It is perfect for those who want something that is strong in flavor, but light on the stomach.

17. Creamy Crab Chowder

A crab chowder is a thick, rich, and flavorsome soup that is easy to make.

It is a great way of making use of any leftover crab meat that you might have, and it is a perfect dish to serve when you are entertaining guests, especially if it is cold outside, and you have limited time.

18. Crab Rolls

If you are in Maine, you get lobster rolls, but if you are in Baltimore, you get crab rolls. Crab rolls are a great way of enjoying crab meat in a simple, 5 minute fashion.

All you need is a roll, crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and the seasoning of your choice. Mix everything together and put it in the roll, and voile, delicious crab rolls.

19. Crab Fried Rice

Fried rice has been a staple of east Asian cooking for hundreds of years, because it only requires rice, a sauce, whatever vegetables or meat you have to hand, and frying.

It is a rich dish that is full of flavor from very little, but you can easily increase that flavor by adding crab meat before chowing down.

20. Crab Wraps

Crab wraps are a great way of eating crab, especially for those who are on the go.

They are a light and easy dish to make that can be eaten for lunch or dinner, and they are a great option when you are on a diet as they are high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat.

21. Crab Ravioli

After a hard day at the office, nothing beats the simple joy of a plate of delicious homemade ravioli.

Replacing one of the fillings with crab meat can take ravioli from a home cooked comfort to an indulgent pleasure that will have you wanting to make more.

22. Crab Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a southern delicacy that is made from fried cornmeal batter that is often filled with a variety of different ingredients, which could include crab if you wanted.

It is a side dish that is often served during a big southern seafood boil, so why not fill it with seafood as well? It would be a great addition to any party.

23. Crab Casserole

We have all heard of lasagna, but rarely do we hear about what can be created with a humble casserole dish. It is so a part of our lives that we never consider that it can be improved upon or taken to a whole other level.

Adding a bit of crab meat to one will not only improve the flavor, but add a whole new soft texture as well.

24. Open-Faced Crab Sandwich

The crab sandwich is one of the most popular ways of eating crab, but is something that most people don’t put an effort into improving.

Making it an open-faced hot sandwich that spends a few minutes under the broiler will not only change the texture, but take the sandwich to a whole new level of pleasure for your taste buds.

Trying this twist on the sandwich takes 5 minutes at most, but will have you coming back for more later.

25. Chili Butter And Crab Pasta

This is the perfect dish for people who are looking for something delicious, but want something that is a little lighter.

It is rich without being overpowering, and has a slightly spiced, lemony aftertaste that makes you instantly want more. What’s best is that it only takes around 30 minutes to make, so it is perfect for the end of a long day.

26. Crab Ceviche

If you are looking for a way to enjoy the delicate flavor of crab in a new and innovative way, then this ceviche is the way to go.

It is a classic South American dish that is often served as an appetizer or side dish and is something that is full of flavor.

This ceviche is made from the acid of citrus fruits, the fresh flavors of peppers, onion, and cilantro all mixed together with cooked crab meat to create a vibrant fresh salad.

27. Crab Dip

If you are looking for something that is simple and quick to make for your next potluck, then this crab dip is the way to go.

It is the perfect appetizer for parties and is something that can be made with just a few ingredients. Once you load up one chip with this cheesy, creamy mixture packed with seafood flavor, you won’t stop dipping.

28. Maryland Crab Pizza

White sauce seafood pizzas started in New Jersey, but the good people of Maryland only tolerate one type of seafood topping: crab.

They love crab and have perfected the art of the perfect crab pizza, with many places being judged in the state for having subpar crab pizzas. If you are looking for a new Friday night feast, give this classic a try.

29. Crab Quesadillas

The quesadilla is a Mexican recipe that is made from a tortilla that has meat, vegetables, and melted cheese inside and is something that is great to eat at any time of the day.

We think that a quesadilla is a great way to enjoy crab and is something that should be served at home and eaten as an appetizer or a snack. It takes only a little time to enjoy this wonderful treat.

30. Crab Crostini

Crab crostini is generally a crab cocktail that is placed on top of a warm bruschetta. You can mix a variety of things into the cocktail, including spices, citrus, herbs, salad, and even booze, if you so desire.

You can be really creative when making this dish, which makes it all the more fun to plan and make with another person.

31. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Possibly the easier dish on this list to make, all you do is mix a few ingredients together with mayonnaise and cheese, before stuffing them into a mushroom cap and broiling them for a few minutes.

For very little effort, you get a gorgeous aroma and an amazing meal that can make you look like a kitchen wizard without doing much at all.

32. Tomato, Crab, And Bacon Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is one of the most popular dishes in the world and to change it up, try adding in tomatoes, crab, and bacon.

This is a great way to give the classic dish a twist and make it stand out a little more, as well as giving it a whole new dimension of flavor.

33. Gumbo

Gumbo (see also ‘The 5 Best Amazing Substitutes For Gumbo File Powder‘) is one of the staples of Louisiana cuisine and is something that is served year round, though it is most associated with the winter season.

Gumbo is a rich, spicy, and hearty dish that is made up from a variety of different ingredients, which also includes a great selection of crab meat in it.

34. Crab Stuffed Salmon

Salmon is a fish that is often served as a main dish. However, it is also delicious when stuffed, and crab stuffed salmon is a great variation on the classic salmon dish.

This recipe is a little more complicated than most, but is still a recipe that is simple enough for the average home chef to follow.

35. Crab Salad Panini

For a simple twist on the classic sandwich, try the crab salad panini (see also ‘The 23 Best Panini Recipes‘). This recipe is a great lunch to have if you are at home, or even if you are going out.

The great thing about this recipe is that it is cheap and easy to make. You can use a mixture of fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and maybe even some avocado, and then add in the canned or fresh crab meat, before toasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Quick Ways To Cook Crab?

There are a few on this list including the linguine with crab or the crab salad, but honestly you could use crab as you would any other meat and think how you would make a quick recipe out of them.

Sandwiches, salads, pasta, rice, even grilled crab can be very quick to cook with if you think about what you want to do with it.

Conclusion

Crab meat is so readily available and beloved that people have created hundreds of ways to enjoy it. All you have to do is to move out of your comfort zone and try something with crab that will be absolutely delicious.