Is Crab Kosher? A Complete Guide to Kosher Laws on Shellfish for Jews

Crab is one of those controversial foods in Judaism. While many shellfish like shrimp, lobster, oysters and clams are forbidden, there is debate over whether crab is allowed under kosher dietary laws. As a Jew interested in honoring kosher rules, you may be wondering: is crab kosher or not?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover:

• An overview of kosher laws and shellfish
• The arguments for and against crab being kosher
• Kosher rulings on crab from different Jewish authorities
• Alternatives if you want to avoid non-kosher crab
• Recipes for kosher “crab” substitutes

The kosher dietary laws are based on instructions God gave in the Torah. To be certified kosher, foods must meet strict criteria for ingredients, preparation methods and handling.

One major rule is that Jews can only eat fish with fins and scales. Shellfish like lobster, shrimp, clams and oysters are banned because they lack scales.

There is debate over whether crab is kosher since it has an exoskeleton instead of a shell. The meat inside is debatably analogous to a scaled fish. So is crab kosher or not?

The Case for Crab Being Kosher

Here are some key arguments in favor of crab being allowed on a kosher diet

• Crab has a distinct fin-like external covering. The exoskeleton resembles scales, with visible segmenting. This may fulfill the kosher requirement for fins and scales.

• Crab meat comes from an internal skeleton, not the shell. The edible meat comes from inside the body, separate from the outer covering. This parallels a kosher fish

• Traditional Jewish communities ate crab. Historically, some Jewish communities did consume crab. This demonstrates that crab was accepted as kosher at times.

These perspectives provide reasonable grounds for crab to be considered a kosher food within Jewish law.

The Case Against Crab Being Kosher

However, there are also strong arguments that crab does not meet kosher standards:

• The exoskeleton is not true scales. Though it has segments, the substance of the shell is different from scales. It is not attached to the meat like fish scales.

• Crab lacks fins. Crab has legs and pincers but no clear fins, which kosher fish must have.

• Shellfish are grouped together in the Torah. The ban on shellfish likely applies to all crustaceans, including crab.

• Orthodox practice considers crab non-kosher. Following traditional interpretations, Orthodox Jews today do not eat crab.

These factors support crab being treated like other shellfish and excluded from kosher diets.

Kosher Rulings on Crab from Jewish Authorities

Jewish scholars have examined the question of crab over the centuries. Here are some key rulings from major Jewish authorities:

• Allowed – Isaac Alfasi (1013-1103), prominent medieval rabbi in Israel, ruled crab is kosher based on its segmented shell and internal skeleton.

• Forbidden – Moses Isserles (1520-1572), influential Polish rabbi, prohibited crab along with other shellfish as non-kosher.

• Forbidden – Joseph Caro (1488-1575), key codifier of Jewish law, banned crab as part of larger shellfish prohibition in the Shulchan Aruch.

• Allowed – Yaakov Reischer (1670-1733), European rabbi and author, argued crab should be kosher based on textual analysis.

There is no consensus opinion. Individual rabbis and communities make their own determinations about whether to allow crab. Talk to your local rabbi for guidance.

Alternatives if Avoiding Non-Kosher Crab

If your practice is to avoid crab and shellfish, you have many options to find substitutes:

• Fish – Kosher varieties like salmon, tilapia and tuna can replace crab in many recipes.

• Surf Clam – This kosher mollusk has a sweet, briny flavor that can mimic crab.

• Artificial Crab – “Crab” legs made from surimi fish paste are kosher. These imitate real crab in taste and texture.

• Jackfruit – Young green jackfruit when shredded resembles crab meat and absorbs flavors well.

• Hearts of Palm – Sliced hearts of palm stand in for crab in salads andseafood platters.

With creative use of kosher ingredients, it’s possible to duplicate favorite crab recipes.

Recipes for Kosher “Crab” Dishes

If you avoid crab but want to capture a similar flavor, here are some recipes for kosher mock crab dishes:

● Kosher “Crab” Cakes

• 1 lb. shredded surimi “crab”
• 1 egg
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
• Old Bay seasoning
• Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown.

● Faux Crab Salad

• 1 can hearts of palm, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp celery, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄4 tsp sea salt
• Toss ingredients together and chill before serving.

● Jackfruit “Crab” Rangoon

• 1 cup shredded young jackfruit
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Won ton wrappers
• Serve with sweet chili sauce.

With some adaptions, you can enjoy the taste of crab while keeping kosher. Creativity and flexibility are key.

The Bottom Line: Tradition Says No Crab

At the end of the day, the most traditional and cautious interpretation of kosher laws prohibits crab as well as all shellfish. Following this view avoids ambiguity and controversy.

However, the debate remains open in some circles. If your community accepts crab as kosher, you may make your own decision. But when in doubt, go without crab to be safe.

The intricacies of Jewish dietary laws reflect thought, nuance and tradition. By learning about kosher rules for crab, you can make informed choices honoring your faith, culture and values around food.