The Ultimate Guide to Crab Recipes

Crab is one of the most versatile and flavorful ingredients you can bring into your kitchen. Whether you prefer the delicate sweetness of blue crab, the rich and meaty texture of Dungeness crab, or the elegance of king crab, there’s a crab recipe to suit every taste. This article will walk you through a wide range of delicious crab recipes, from appetizers to main courses, and every style of cooking you could dream of, including boiling, grilling, baking, and sautéing.

1. Introduction to Crab Cooking

Crab, as a member of the shellfish family, holds a special place in seafood cuisine. It has a unique sweetness that pairs well with many other flavors. With types like blue crab, Dungeness crab, king crab, and snow crab, each offers something different in taste and texture. When it comes to cooking crab, there are plenty of methods, such as steaming, boiling, and baking, which bring out its succulent flavor.

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Cooking crab can be simple, but it’s the combination of spices and herbs that makes it extraordinary. Ingredients such as garlic, lemon, butter, and Old Bay seasoning are a staple in crab recipes, adding depth to the natural flavors of the crab meat. From classic crab cakes to innovative creations like crab quesadillas, this guide will take you on a journey through the world of crab cooking.

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2. Classic Crab Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil or butter for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
2. Gently fold in the lump crab meat and panko breadcrumbs until just combined. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
3. Form the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
4. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with tartar sauce or aioli.

3. Steamed Crab Legs with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Instructions:

1. In a large pot with a steamer insert, bring 2-3 inches of water to a boil. Place the crab legs in the steamer insert, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning.
4. Serve the steamed crab legs with the garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping.

4. Crab Dip

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
3. Gently fold in the crab meat and green onions.
4. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve with crackers or toasted bread slices.

5. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 20 large button mushrooms
• 1 cup lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and clean them.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.
4. Fold in the crab meat.
5. Stuff each mushroom cap with the crab mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.

6. Crab Imperial

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the crab meat.
4. Spoon the mixture into ramekins or a small baking dish.
5. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

7. Crab Linguine with Lemon and Garlic

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup white sauce
• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add the white sauce, crab meat, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.

8. Crab Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
2. Add the bell pepper and peas, and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the chilled rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then mix them into the rice.
5. Gently fold in the crab meat and green onions, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

9. Crab Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Butter, for cooking

Instructions:

1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle half of each tortilla with shredded cheese, crab meat, cilantro, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Fold the tortilla in half and press gently.
4. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet and cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream or salsa.

10. Crab and Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 3 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb lump crab meat
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Add the butter, onion, and garlic to the pot, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add the corn, potatoes, and seafood stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and crab meat, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Season with salt and black pepper, and garnish with fresh chives and the reserved bacon.

11. Grilled Soft-Shell Crab

Ingredients:

• 4 soft-shell crabs, cleaned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush the crabs with the marinade.
4. Grill the crabs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

12. Baked Crab Imperial Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the crab meat.
4. Spoon the mixture into the halved bell peppers.
5. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the stuffed peppers.
6. Arrange the peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the peppers are tender.

13. Crab-Stuffed Avocado

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, red onion, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
2. Gently fold in the crab meat.
3. Spoon the crab mixture into the avocado halves.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

14. Crab Fritters with Spicy Aioli

Ingredients for Fritters:

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Ingredients for Spicy Aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, green onion, and red bell pepper.
2. Stir in the eggs and milk until a batter forms, then gently fold in the crab meat.
3. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Drop spoonfuls of the crab mixture into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. For the aioli, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
6. Serve the crab fritters warm with the spicy aioli on the side.

15. Conclusion: Bringing Crab into Your Kitchen

Crab offers endless possibilities in the kitchen, whether you’re looking to whip up a quick appetizer, a comforting main course, or an impressive dish for a special occasion. With simple ingredients such as butter, garlic, and lemon juice, or a little spice like Old Bay seasoning and cayenne pepper, you can elevate the natural flavor of crab to create a delicious meal.

Whether you choose to make a classic crab cake, try out the luscious crab linguine, or grill some soft-shell crabs, this guide has provided you with a wide variety of recipes to make the most of this flavorful crustacean. With each type of crab—blue crab, Dungeness crab, king crab, and snow crab—there are unique textures and tastes to explore. Bring these delightful dishes to your table and indulge in the rich flavors of crab.

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