These crab cakes are a Maryland classic. They are made with fresh lump crab meat and just enough filler to hold it all together.
Chesapeake blue crabs and crab cakes are so good that they’re almost religious in Maryland. My family is a dedicated devotee. Our favorite crab shacks are all along the Eastern shore and in the area. Every summer, we go to all of them to enjoy the view of the bay and the sand between our toes.
I’d never attempt making steamed blue crabs at home. Big steamers with live crabs? Eww! But I often make crab cakes, which taste just as good and are easier to make (and eat). The key is using fresh lump crabmeat and just enough filler to bind the crabmeat together. I love them with tartar sauce, but you could also serve them with lemon wedges or cocktail sauce. Don’t forget the peel-and-eat shrimp, hush puppies, and cornbread.
Crab is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. If you have some fresh crab meat on hand or find it on sale at the market, there are so many tasty things you can whip up. From appetizers and main courses to soups and sandwiches, crab adds delightful flavor and texture to any meal.
Here are 20 amazing things to make with crab meat
1. Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a classic way to enjoy crab meat. Mix together lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and chopped bell pepper. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges and remoulade or tartar sauce. So simple yet so tasty!
2. Crab Dip
Warm and creamy crab dip is perfect for parties and game day. Combine crab meat with cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar and bake until bubbly. Serve with crackers, chips or fresh veggies.
3. Crab Salad
Crab salad makes a light and refreshing meal for lunch or a summer picnic Mix together crab meat, minced celery, chopped green onions, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Chill for 30 minutes then serve on bread, lettuce cups or all by itself
4. Crab Pizza
Elevate your pizza by topping it with crab meat! Make or use prepared pizza dough. Spread with tomato sauce and top with mozzarella cheese, crab meat, chopped basil, garlic, and lemon zest. Drizzle with olive oil and bake. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
5. Crab Soup
Rich and creamy crab bisque is a seafood lover’s dream. Simmer carrots, celery, and onion in broth and cream. Puree the soup then add lump crab meat right before serving. Garnish bowls with fresh parsley. You can also make crab cornbread to serve alongside for dipping.
6. Crab Tacos
Spicy crab tacos are festive and fun for Taco Tuesday. Mix together crab meat, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Warm corn tortillas and fill with crab mixture, shredded cabbage, avocado, and cilantro. Top with a dollop of crema. Olé!
7. Crab Fried Rice
Take your fried rice to the next level by adding crab meat. Cook rice according to package directions. Heat oil in a wok or skillet then add crab meat, peas, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, and eggs. Cook until heated through then mix with the rice. Garnish with chopped green onions.
8. Crab Cakes Benedict
Elevate breakfast with these crab cake eggs benedict. Make patties using crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, lemon juice and seasonings. Poach eggs and toast English muffins. Layer crab cakes, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on muffins. Sprinkle everything with Old Bay seasoning.
9. Crab Stuffed Salmon
This elegant entrée will impress your dinner guests. Make a creamy crab stuffing by mixing together crab meat, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stuff into a slit cut into the top of salmon fillets. Bake until salmon is flaky. Garnish with lemon slices.
10. Crab Quesadillas
Quick weeknight dinner? Crab quesadillas to the rescue! Mix together crab meat, Monterey jack cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chipotle chili powder. Place tortillas on a skillet and divide mixture between them. Cook until cheese melts then slice and serve with guacamole and pico de gallo.
11. Crab & Corn Chowder
A bowl of hearty chowder is pure comfort food. Cook potatoes, corn and bacon pieces in broth. Add crab meat and half-and-half then simmer for 10 minutes. Finish with Old Bay seasoning. Ladle into bread bowls and garnish with fresh chives.
12. Crab Salad Sandwich
Make summery sandwiches with fresh crab salad. Mix together crab meat, lemon juice, mayonnaise, minced onion, minced celery, Dijon, parsley, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Spoon onto toasted bread, crackers or lettuce leaves.
13. Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli
These crispy crab cakes pair perfectly with a zesty lemon aioli. Make aioli by mixing together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, parsley, and salt. Shape crab meat into patties using breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon, and Old Bay seasoning. Pan fry cakes then serve with aioli.
14. Crab & Avocado Salad
This healthy salad is bursting with flavor. Mix together crab meat, chopped celery, diced mango, avocado, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve chilled on lettuce leaves or scooped into half avocado shells. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
15. Crab Rangoon
These crisp little bites make a fun party appetizer. Mix together crab meat, cream cheese, chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Place heaping teaspoons of mixture into wonton wrappers then pinch edges to seal. Fry in oil until golden brown.
16. Crab Imperial
This classic crab dish is pure decadence. Make a creamy sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, sherry, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Fold in jumbo lump crab meat. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and broil until browned.
17. Crab & Shrimp Boil
For a taste of summer all year round, make this flavorful seafood boil. Boil potatoes, corn cobs, andouille sausage in seasoned water. Add crab legs, shrimp, lemons, and garlic. Cook until seafood is bright pink. Drain and pile everything on a table lined with paper. Enjoy with drawn butter!
18. Crab & Artichoke Dip
This hot cheesy dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Mix together crab meat, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder, cayenne, and Old Bay. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips.
19. Linguine with Crab
This pasta dish is luxuriously rich and so simple to whip up. Sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil and lemon juice. Toss with crab meat, parsley, salt, and pepper then mix everything with hot cooked linguine. Shower with Parmesan and breadcrumbs before serving. Bellisimo!
20. Maryland Crab Cakes
You can’t talk Maryland cuisine without mentioning their iconic crab cakes. Use Old Bay generously when mixing the crab meat with egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and parsley. Form cakes and refrigerate for 1 hour before pan frying to a beautiful golden crust. Serve with lemon wedges and remoulade sauce. Delish!
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What You’ll Need To Make Maryland Crab Cakes
It’s very important to use fresh, good-quality lump crab meat. Find crab meat that was just caught off the boat. It comes in a clear plastic container and is usually sitting on ice in the seafood section. It’s expensive, but one pound is enough to make six generous crab cakes (or 12 mini ones).
If you can’t find fresh lump crab meat, the next best thing is chilled crab meat like Phillip’s, which is easy to find all year. Avoid shelf-stable canned crab meat, which contains additives that affect the taste and texture of the meat. (Try fresh salmon cakes instead of crab cakes if you want to save money or when fresh crab meat isn’t in season.) ).
For those who follow the rules, you can leave out the celery. I love the little crunch it gives to Maryland crab cakes, but you can do without it if you want to.
SUPER EASY FRIED CRAB CAKE BALL RECIPE
FAQ
What do you crab with?
What can I make with a can of crabmeat?
Whether it’s lump crabmeat, crab claw meat, or some other kind, each of these recipes calls for crabmeat straight from the can, making them perfect pantry dinners. Find quick and affordable dishes to make with a can of crabmeat, such as Crab Dip, Southwestern Crab. Cakes, and Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms.
Are coconut crabs healthy to eat?
Crabs are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins like riboflavin and minerals like selenium, copper, phosphorus. Coconut crabs are not known to be poisonous. The fat in the abdomen and the egg inside the female are the delicious edible parts. It is prepared by steaming or boiling them in coconut milk. Consuming coconut crab along with sea mango, cerbera manghas may make the coconut crab toxic due to the presence of cardiac cardenolides(cardiac active steroids). This causes electrolyte imbalance that affects the electrical conductivity of the heart.
What to eat with tinned crab?
Tinned crab can be quite versatile, and there are several delicious dishes you can create with it.Here are some ideas: 1.**Crab Dip**: Whip up a creamy crab dip by mixing tinned crabmeat with cream cheese,
What are your favorite crab recipes?
Our collection of favorite crab recipes includes perfect Baltimore-style crab cakes, brioche crab melts, crab gumbo, crab pasta, crab salad, and more.