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 meat is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you buy pre-cooked crab meat or cook raw crab yourself, proper cooking is key to getting the best flavor and texture. In this article, I’ll explain the different ways to cook crab meat and share some tips for success.
Crab meat comes from edible parts of crabs, like the leg, claw and body meat It has a sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture when cooked properly Crab meat is available pre-cooked or raw.
Pre-cooked crab meat has already been extracted from the shell, making it quick and convenient. It only needs to be briefly heated up before eating Raw crab meat comes directly from fresh crab and needs thorough cooking to reach safe internal temperatures.
The most common varieties used for crab meat dishes are:
- Dungeness
- King
- Snow
- Blue
No matter what type of crab meat you use, gentle cooking is key. Extended high heat can make the tender meat tough and rubbery. Follow these simple methods to get perfect results every time.
Steaming
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that works well for both raw and pre-cooked crab meat. It helps retain moisture and flavor.
To steam raw crab meat:
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Place a steaming basket or colander in a large pot with about 1 inch of water in the bottom. Bring to a boil.
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Add crab meat pieces to the basket in a single layer.
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Cover pot and steam for 5-7 minutes, just until opaque throughout.
To steam pre-cooked crab meat:
- Follow same method, but only steam for 2-3 minutes just to warm through.
Pro tip: Resist the urge to overcrowd the steamer basket. Too much crab meat will cause it to steam unevenly. Cook in batches for best results.
Sautéing
Quick sautéing is a tasty way to cook raw crab meat without overcooking it.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil or butter.
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When hot, add crab meat pieces in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned.
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Stir gently halfway through to evenly cook.
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For pre-cooked crab meat, use medium heat and cook just until warmed through, about 1 minute.
The high heat helps crab meat develop a lovely browned flavor. Be careful not to overcook it.
Simmering or Poaching
For a very delicate texture, simmer or poach crab meat in liquid.
To simmer:
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In a skillet, heat broth, wine or water to a gentle simmer.
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Add raw or pre-cooked crab meat. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, until just opaque and warmed through.
To poach:
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Fill a skillet with enough liquid to cover the crab meat. Bring to a bare simmer.
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Gently slide in crab meat and poach for 2-3 minutes.
This method keeps crab meat incredibly moist and tender. The broth or wine also infuses it with flavor.
Baking
Baking lets you cook crab meat gently surrounded by other ingredients.
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For raw crab meat, bake casseroles or stuffed dishes at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, about 20 minutes.
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For pre-cooked crab meat, bake just until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Baking crab meat on its own tends to dry it out. Combine it with a sauce or stuff it into items like mushrooms or fish fillets.
Broiling
Broiling caramelizes the surface of crab meat for delicious flavor. Only use this method on pre-cooked crab.
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Place crab meat on a broiler pan lined with aluminum foil.
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Broil 4-5 inches from heat for 1-2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned.
Watch it closely so it doesn’t dry out under the intense direct heat.
Tips for Cooking Crab Meat
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Handle crab meat gently at all times. It falls apart easily when disturbed too much.
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Resist stirring it frequently when cooking. Carefully turn meat over just halfway through cooking.
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Add any seasonings after cooking. Crab meat has a delicate flavor easily overpowered by bold spices.
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Cook it just until opaque throughout and warmed through. It can become rubbery and dry if overcooked.
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Look for sustainable wild-caught crab varieties whenever possible.
Serving Ideas for Cooked Crab Meat
Crab cakes, crab soup and crab dip are classic ways to enjoy cooked crab meat. But don’t stop there! Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Stuff into avocados or tomatoes
- Toss with pasta or rice
- Layer in savory galettes or crepes
- Make crab salad sandwiches or wraps
- Mix into seafood casseroles or paella
- Top pizza, flatbreads or bruschetta
- Fill omelets, frittatas or quiche
- Garnish chowders and bisques
- Mix into potato salad or egg salad
- Add to stuffed mushrooms or peppers
- Use in lettuce wraps or collard green rolls
With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored with cooked crab meat! Follow these simple methods to bring out its best flavor and texture. Then get creative with how you serve it.
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Make the Tartar Sauce
Combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, red onion, lemon, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Whisk well, then cover and chill until ready to serve.
How to cook imitation crab legs With Lemon pepper butter and garlic
FAQ
What’s the best way to cook crab meat?
Which cooking method is best for crab?
How do you cook already cooked crab meat?
Do you have to boil crab meat?
What is the best way to cook crab legs?
There’s no one best way to cook crab legs, it’s more so preference with the methods below. Just keep in mind that you can overcook crab legs where the meat will become rubbery. So stick to the timings below. Boiling Crab Legs: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
How do you cook crab meat?
To cook crab meat, the whole crab is boiled, then the meat is extracted from the shell, claws, and body for use in various dishes like crab cakes and salads. Different parts of the crab, including jumbo lump, lump crab, backfin crab, and claw crab, offer unique flavors and textures.
How do you cook a live crab?
HOW TO COOK CRAB This is the best, fastest and easiest method to cooking them alive. No need to process them prior to cooking. STEP 1 – To a large pot, pour water and add salt if you’d like. Bring the water to a raging boil. STEP 2 – Place the live crab in the boiling water and cover with the lid. STEP 3 – Boil for 12 minutes.
How do you cook a crab in a crock pot?
Insert a solid knife or screwdriver through the hole with some pressure until it touches the other end of the shell. Turn the crab over and strain the fluid that has accumulated. Boil a large pot of salted water (30g of salt per liter). Cook the crab in boiling water for 8 to 12 minutes for a 1kg crab.