Easy crab cakes that taste great, are quick and easy to make, and are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These succulent pan-fried crab cakes are fast, easy, loaded with flavor and won’t crumble when you fry them.
Crab meat is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. From appetizers to main courses, crab adds succulent flavor and texture to any meal. Here are 23 amazing recipes to inspire you to incorporate crab meat into your cooking.
An Abundance of Appetizers
Crab meat makes an exceptional addition to appetizers and starters. Its sweet, briny flavor pairs wonderfully with creamy dips, crispy fritters, and fresh salads.
1. Crab Rangoon
These crispy wonton wraps filled with crab and cream cheese are a classic Chinese restaurant appetizer They’re easy to make at home and perfect for dipping in sweet and sour sauce
2. Crab Dip
For a hot and creamy party pleaser a cheesy crab dip baked with artichoke hearts and spinach can’t be beat. Serve with crackers bread, or fresh vegetables.
3. Crab Cakes
From Maryland-style lump crab cakes to crispy Thai crab fritters, crab cakes make an elegant passed hors d’oeuvre or starter. Pan-frying adds a delicious crust.
4. Crab Louie Salad
Cool crab meat combined with hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce in a tangy dressing makes a refreshing salad for a luncheon or summer picnic.
Excellent Entrees
The mild sweetness of crab meat allows it to pair well with a wide variety of seasonings and complements. It can be the star of the show in your main course.
5. Crab Alfredo
In this decadent, yet easy pasta dish, lump crab is gently folded into a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and tossed with fettuccine. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
6. Crab Cakes Benedict
For an elegant brunch or lunch, top English muffins, poached eggs, and lemon-caper hollandaise sauce with sweet crab cakes for a gourmet twist on eggs Benedict.
7. Crab Stir Fry
In this quick weeknight stir fry, crab is briefly cooked with snap peas, bell pepper, and scallions in a ginger soy sauce wok-tossed over rice. Easy and delicious!
8. Crab en Papillote
Cooking seafood en papillote—wrapped in parchment paper–allows the subtle flavors to shine. Crab baked with tomatoes, corn, and fresh herbs makes a light but satisfying meal.
9. Crab Fried Rice
In this family-friendly classic, lump crab meat is an upscale addition to the usual fried rice ingredients. Scrambled egg, peas, carrots, and scallions round it out.
10. Crab Cannelloni
Tender homemade crab-stuffed pasta tubes baked in a rich béchamel is an impressive dish for a special occasion. Fresh parsley and lemon zest add brightness.
Succulent Soups & Stews
The sweet flavor of crab complements the brothy bases of soups and stews. Try crab in traditional seafood stew recipes or add it to chowders and bisques.
11. She Crab Soup
This creamy Southern specialty features crab meat in a rich, savory chicken and cream sherry broth, seasoned with onion, celery, and a hint of cayenne. Garnish with crab roe.
12. Manhattan Crab Chowder
Sweet crab and corn complement the robust tomato broth in this chunky chowder. Finish with a dash of fresh thyme.
13. Crab Bisque
A touch of brandy and cream enriches the shellfish broth in this elegant blended soup. For special occasions, top each bowl with a whole crab claw.
14. Crab Gumbo
In this Creole one-pot meal, crab simmers with shrimp, chicken, sausage, vegetables, and hot sauce in a deeply-flavored, seasoned broth over rice. Hearty and zesty!
Sandwiches & Tacos
The sweet meatiness of crab makes a wonderful sandwich filling or taco topper. These hand-held snacks are perfect for casual dining.
15. Crab Roll
Tender chunks of crab salad heaped atop a split-top bun makes a delicious New England-style treat. Keep it simple with just a touch of mayonnaise or lemon aioli.
16. Crab Melt
For an open-faced sandwich, top thick slices of toasted bread with crab salad, tomato slices, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh basil. Run it under the broiler until bubbly.
17. Crab Cake Sliders
Mini crunchy crab cakes on petite buns are an easy, elegant finger food for your next party. Top with a dollop of remoulade sauce for extra flair.
18. Crab Tortillas
Quick-cook sautéed crab, peppers, onions, and Mexican spices piled onto warm corn tortillas makes for a fast, flavorful taco filling. Add fresh lime and avocado.
Side Dishes
While crab can command center stage as an entree, it also shines cooked into comforting side dishes to complement the main meal.
19. Cheesy Crab Casserole
Buttery Ritz crackers topped with a rich crab and cheese custard is a retro classic. For a crunchy twist, sprinkle crushed potato chips or fried onions on top.
20. Crab Smashed Potatoes
For special occasion spuds, gently fold cooked crab meat into creamy, buttery whipped potatoes. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges.
21. Crab Stuffed Tomatoes
Beefsteak tomatoes stuffed with a crab salad filling of celery, red onion, mayonnaise, parsley, lemon, and a dash of cayenne deliver a cool, fresh side.
22. Crab Fried Rice
Less expected than shrimp, crab fried rice has bundles of flavor from ginger, garlic, soy sauce, peas, and scrambled eggs. It’s easy and delicious.
Special Snacks & Appetizers
Beyond standard entrees and sides, crab can star in fun appetizer recipes, chic starters, and party nibbles.
23. Mini Crab Cakes
Bite-sized crab cakes with a crispy, pan-fried exterior and tender interior are easy to eat and perfect for passing around at your next cocktail party.
Crab is endlessly versatile, as you can see! With its inherently sweet, briny flavor, crab can be the star of so many dishes across the culinary spectrum. I hope these 23 crab recipes have sparked ideas for new ways to enjoy this delicious seafood in your kitchen.
Can You Air Fry Crab Cakes?
Absolutely! Crab cakes are perfect for the air fryer. After putting some cooking spray in your air fryer, cook them for 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F, turning them over once.
How Do I Bake Crab Cakes?
Just heat the oven to 375°F, spray cooking spray on a baking sheet, and bake them for about 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
When it comes to crab cakes, these are more like those from Maryland because they are mostly crab meat and not much else. The fillers are usually ingredients you need to bind the crabmeat such as mayo, breadcrumbs or eggs. The main difference between these and Maryland crab cakes would probably be the crabmeat used. You would need to use fresh crab and bigger pieces of crab than what you’d find in a can.
What Can I Make With… Imitation Crab! | Cooking for Two | 4 Easy Recipes using Imitation Crabmeat
FAQ
What is the best way to cook crab meat?
What is crab meat used for?