Forgive our (many!) puns, but theres nothing about cooking with crab that makes us feel anything near crabby. Crab is a great protein that can be used all year long for dinners, appetizers, sides, and more. You might think of it as something you only eat in the summer or as the main ingredient in our favorite crab cakes. No matter if you pick the crab yourself or use canned or fake crab, these 18 crab recipes are very simple and will make any party more fancy. No crabbiness, guaranteed. .
The sea is full of fish that claim to be the best (shell)fish, but crab is by far the best. If you want to cook crab legs the right way, we have a handy guide on 5 ways to do it. But jumbo lump crab from a can is a great alternative all year and is easy to get from the store. Crab rangoon, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and hot crab dip are all easy recipes that you can (and should) make for a party at the last minute or just on a Wednesday. You’ll need to stock up on cans, that’s for sure.
Crab is great for so much more than just snacks and appetizers too. Make a sushi night out of it with our California rolls and spicy crab rolls recipes. For a light dinner, add them to our crab-stuffed avocados. For a real crab cake dream come true, try our crab cake burgers. If you want to really impress people at dinner, our Vietnamese-Cajun boil is both beautiful to look at and delicious to eat.
In the world of fancy appetizers, the crab-stuffed mushroom reigns supreme, but dont stop there. Transform crab-stuffed mushrooms into a dinner-worthy entrée by using portobello mushrooms instead of cremini. For a twist on this classic, check out our crab & artichoke-stuffed mushrooms next.
While crab cakes are usually served as an appetizer at fancy seafood restaurants, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home! This is the perfect quick appetizer to serve when you want to feel like you’re on vacation at the beach.
Think small crab cakes would make your brunch feel fancy? Wait until your guests see these avocados filled with crab! Stuffed into a halved avocado and served with plantain chips, this is crab salad, elevated.
Crab rangoon is a bit of a sleeper hit in the world of Chinese-American appetizers. Theyre basically little pockets of cheesy crab dip wrapped up in a crispy wonton shell. Whats not to love?.
Surimi, a cheap imitation crab, is used to make this spicy crab sushi roll, which is known for being creamy and spicy. If you’ve got fresh crab on hand—lucky you!—it would be delicious in surimi’s place.
Crab meat is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re cooking crab cakes, making crab dip, or simply eating crab meat on its own, having the right side dishes and accompaniments can take your crab experience to the next level. Here are 19 amazing options for what to serve alongside crab meat.
Starters and Appetizers
1. Crostini
Crostini are small slices of toasted or grilled bread that make an excellent base for crab meat appetizers Top crostini with a mix of crab meat, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a simple yet elegant starter The crunch of the bread contrasts nicely with the soft crab texture.
2. Cucumber Cups
Hollowed out cucumber cups make refreshing and healthy vessels for crab salads. Fill them with a mixture of crab, diced celery, red onion, lemon juice and light mayo or yogurt. The cool cucumber balances the rich crab perfectly.
3. Wonton Cups
For a crunchy crab cup, use small wonton wrappers baked into little cups Fill them with creamy crab dip or salad for a fun finger food The wonton shells hold the crab mixture together for mess-free eating.
Soups and Stews
4. Seafood Bisque
A classic French-style seafood bisque is one of the most popular items to have with crab. The velvety soup combines crab meat with shrimp stock, cream, tomatoes, sherry and veggies for an elegant first course.
5. Cioppino
This Italian-American fisherman’s stew packs the flavors of the sea into one bowl. A tomato-based broth is loaded with crab legs, mussels, clams, shrimp and fish for a hearty meal. Crab meat adds extra richness.
6. Gumbo
Down South, crab and shrimp gumbo is a staple dish. A roux-based stew mixes crab with veggies like okra, bell peppers and celery. Rice is essential for soaking up the incredible Creole-seasoned broth.
Salads and Sides
7. Celery Root Remoulade
Shredded celery root and carrots are tossed in a pungent dressing of mustard, capers, cornichons, herbs and mayo to make a classic French remoulade. It’s an ideal crunchy, tangy side for rich crab cakes or buttery crab legs.
8. Coleslaw
Cool cabbage coleslaw with shredded carrots is another great crab partner. The fresh veggie crunch offsets fried or sauteed crab dishes beautifully. Toss the slaw in a light vinaigrette or creamy mayo dressing.
9. Asparagus
Steamed or grilled asparagus spears make an elegant and tasty side for crab entrees. The vegetal flavors complement shellfish perfectly. Lemon-infused olive oil and flaky salt finish the asparagus beautifully.
10. Macaroni Salad
A mayo-dressed macaroni salad with hard boiled egg carrots, celery onion, and mustard is a classic summer picnic partner for crab. The starchiness of the pasta salad balances out the richness of crab.
Breads and Baked Goods
11. Cornbread
Buttery cornbread with its gritty corn flavor is practically a must with savory crab dishes. Enjoy cornbread alongside crab cakes, fried soft shell crab, or heaping platters of snow crab legs. The bread sopps up any remaining juices.
12. Biscuits
Flaky, savory biscuits are another great bread choice for soaking up crab juices or dipping in stew. Pair crab cakes or stuffed crab shells with homemade buttermilk biscuits and honey butter. Simply divine!
13. Hushpuppies
These deep-fried cornmeal dumplings are a classic southern side, especially with boiled crab. The puffy hushpuppy texture absorbs butter and complements the sweet crab meat beautifully. Fry them up to accompany whole Dungeness or snow crab.
Pastas and Grains
14. Linguine
Thin linguine noodles make an amazing base for garlicky, lemony crab pasta. Toss al dente linguine with lump crab meat, olive oil, chili flakes, parsley, grated lemon zest, and juice for a heavenly carb pairing. Shaved parmesan on top is a must.
15. Risotto
Creamy crab risotto highlights the natural sweetness of crab meat. Arborio rice simmers slowly with seafood stock, white wine, and veggies before folding in the crab. Top with extra crab meat or breadcrumbs for crunch.
16. Quinoa
For a healthier crab pairing, try mineral-rich quinoa. Saute quinoa with diced veggies like zucchini and bell peppers, then stir in fresh crab at the end. The nutty grain and fresh crab combine beautifully.
Sandwiches and Tacos
17. Brioche Buns
Using a buttery, flaky brioche bun takes crab cakes, patties or rolls to new levels of enjoyment. The richness of the bread matches the crab mixture for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Just be sure to toast the buns!
18. Tortillas
Warm flour or corn tortillas make excellent vehicles for tacos, tostadas, burritos and more featuring crab meat. Load tortillas with crab salad, pico de gallo, avocado, cotija cheese and chipotle crema for Mexican-style seafood tacos.
19. Crackers
Last but not least, simple crackers or flatbreads do the job for scooping up creamy crab dip and salads. Look for sturdy crackers with a bit of saltiness that can withstand juicy crab chunks without crumbling. Serve them alongside any crab appetizer.
With its sweet, succulent meat, crab can be the star of many meals. When searching for what to have with crab meat, just remember to seek sides and sauces that add crunch, creaminess, brightness or comfort. Balancing textures and flavors will let the crab shine. Whether enjoying crab cakes for dinner or crab appetizers for a party, these 19 recipes flatter crab meat marvelously.
Crab Cake Egg Rolls
You can put these two-bite treats on a platter and they will taste like a crab cake and be crunchy and chewy like your favorite takeout egg rolls.
Get the Crab Cake Egg Rolls recipe.
Similar to a crab bisque, this creamy soup comes to us from the South Carolina low-country. It’s thick, rich, and full of crab flavor, and it says it will get you to Charleston faster than you can clean your bowl.
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If you like spinach and artichoke dip, this one takes it to the next level by adding rich, flavorful crab. Not only extremely decadent, this cheesy crab dip is surprisingly easy. It comes together in just 35 minutes!.
Get the Crab Artichoke Dip recipe.
Don’t forget about crab meat salad! This hearty “salad” will be a hit at any lunch potluck, even though it might not get as much attention as it should. Get the crackers ready ASAP.
Get the Crab Meat Salad recipe.
This Viet-Cajun boil is proof that Vietnamese-Cajun is one of the best new American cuisines of the 21st century. It combines Vietnamese flavors with the art of the Cajun crawfish boil.
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Okay well say it: Hot crab dip belongs in the party dip hall of fame. This rich dip is the perfect way to start a dinner party or casual game day get-together because it’s full of melty cheese and sweet, tender crab meat.
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Turn the classic seafood dish into the cutest bite-sized app with these crab cake bites. These bites can be made in just over 30 minutes and are the easiest way to make your party look fancy, whether it’s a Christmas dinner or a New Year’s party.
Get the Crab Cake Bites recipe.
Just getting into sushi? California rolls are the perfect place to start. No raw fish is required—just imitation crab—which is typical for this type of roll. All you need is a sushi mat, and youre ready to roll! .
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Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Since you don’t have to pull meat out of the shells, crab cakes are the best way to enjoy crab without all the work that comes with it. If you already don’t want to deal with that mess, don’t pan-fry them either. Instead, use your air fryer to make them.
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You can make this easy casserole as a starting point to try making sushi at home or to get picky kids to try sushi. It’s just like your favorite spicy roll, but it has extras like cucumber, sriracha, and sliced avocado that is creamy.
Get the Sushi Bake recipe.
Learn to Pick like a Pro!
What goes well with crabmeat?
Crab goes well with any foods that you would normally eat with seafood such as shrimp or lobster. For example, cheddar biscuits and other types of bread are delicious with crabmeat. Other foods that go well with crabmeat are pasta dishes, green salad, vegetables such as corn on the cob, and sausage. Source: thespruceeats.com 1.
What can you eat with crab meat?
Crab meat is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Rich in flavor and packed with protein, it adds an element of indulgence to any meal. From creamy bisques to scrumptious salads, the culinary possibilities with crab meat are endless.
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.
What can I use instead of crab meat?
Try using a combination of crab and shrimp, throw in some bacon or use crab legs instead of canned crab meat! Versatile: This crab meat linguine is fancy enough for special occasions and entertaining, yet fast and easy enough for weeknight meals with the family! What is crabmeat pasta? Crab pasta is a simple Italian pasta dish.