19 Delicious Recipes You Can Make With Lump Crab Meat

Lump crab meat is a delicacy that many people love With its sweet, succulent flavor and tender texture, it can transform any dish into something special But what exactly can you make with lump crab meat? The possibilities are endless! In this article, I’ll share 19 amazing recipes that feature lump crab meat. From appetizers and main courses to sides and salads, there’s something here for every occasion and every craving.

Before jumping into the recipes, let’s first take a moment to better understand lump crab meat. Lump crab meat comes from the body of the crab, specifically the large muscle found in the swimming legs and claws. It consists of whole chunks of white meat from the crab, giving it a delicate flaky texture that is often described as “lumps”.

Lump crab meat is considered the highest grade of crab meat available. It has a sweet, succulent flavor that is iconic of fresh crab. The lumps of meat also hold together well during cooking, allowing them to be used in a variety of dishes.

Due to its superior flavor and texture lump crab meat commands a higher price than other types of crab meat. But it is well worth the splurge for seafood lovers. The big beautiful chunks of lump crab meat add rich flavor and elegance to any dish.

Now that you know a bit more about lump crab meat, let’s explore some amazing ways to use it!

Appetizers

Lump crab meat makes a wonderful addition to appetizers and starters. Here are some delicious ideas to try:

1. Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a classic way to enjoy lump crab meat. The traditional preparation combines fresh lump crab with breadcrumbs egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. The mixture is formed into patties and fried until golden. Served with lemon wedges and remoulade or tartar sauce.

2. Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushroom caps stuffed with a lump crab mixture is always a crowd-pleaser. Sauté crab meat with breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon juice, herbs and Parmesan. Stuff into mushroom caps and bake until hot and bubbling.

3. Crab Dip

For warm and creamy crab dip, mix lump crab with cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning. Bake until heated through. Serve with crackers or chips.

4. Crab Wontons

For an Asian twist, stuff wonton wrappers with a mixture of crab and cream cheese seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions and ginger. Fry until crispy and golden.

5. Crab Cocktail

Simply pile beautiful lump crab meat atop a bed of greens. Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for dipping. Elegant and delicious!

Salads

The delicate flavor of lump crab meat pairs marvelously with fresh greens and veggies.

6. Crab Louis

This classic salad combines lump crab with greens, hard-boiled egg, avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes and green onions. It’s dressed with a tangy Thousand Island dressing.

7. Lump Crab Salad

For simple salad, gently toss chunks of lump crab with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, red onion and fresh herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon.

8. Mango Crab Salad

Bring sweetness and color with mango chunks tossed with lump crab, red pepper, red onion, cilantro and lime vinaigrette.

9. Greek Crab Salad

Lump crab pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean flavors like kalamata olives, feta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, oregano and lemon dressing.

10. Waldorf Crab Salad

This twist on classic Waldorf salad includes lump crab along with apples, celery, walnuts, red grapes and mayonnaise dressing.

Main Dishes

Of course, lump crab meat also shines as the star of main course entrees.

11. Crab Imperial

This elegant casserole bakes lump crab in a creamy, cheesy sauce flavored with mustard, Parmesan, sherry and Old Bay seasoning.

12. Baked Crab Cakes

For tender crab cakes, mix lump crab with breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, lemon, parsley and Old Bay. Shape into cakes and bake until golden brown.

13. Linguine with Crab

Toss lump crab meat with linguine pasta, olive oil, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, parsley and red pepper flakes for a fast weeknight meal.

14. Crab Fried Rice

Stir lump crab meat into hot fried rice along with carrots, peas, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and egg.

15. Crab Casserole

Bake lump crab topped with breadcrumbs, lemon juice, sherry, egg and a mixture of cheeses for rich, creamy casserole.

16. Crab Quiche

Blend lump crab with eggs, cream, Gruyère, green onions, cayenne pepper and nutmeg. Pour into a pie crust and bake until set.

Sides

Lump crab also makes for a delicious addition to side dishes.

17. Cheesy Crab Potatoes

Mix lump crab with mashed potatoes, cream cheese, Cheddar, Parmesan, green onion, Dijon and cayenne pepper. Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake.

18. Crab Stuffing

Jazz up stuffing by folding in lump crab with celery, onion, butter, chicken broth, herbs and seasonings. Bake inside the turkey or separately.

19. Crab Mac and Cheese

For ultimate comfort food, add lump crab to macaroni and cheese. Use a creamy cheese sauce and top with seasoned breadcrumbs.

Tips for Cooking with Lump Crab Meat

When cooking with prized lump crab meat, keep these tips in mind:

• Pick through the crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage. Try not to break up the lumps too much.

• Handle the crab gently to keep the chunks intact. Fold it into recipes rather than stirring vigorously.

• Don’t overcook, as too much heat can make the crab meat tough.

• Add crab meat at the end of cooking for salads, pasta, rice and other quick-cooking dishes.

• Enhance flavor with lemon, parsley, Old Bay, garlic, mustard and other crab-friendly seasonings.

• Allow the natural sweetness of the crab to shine by using simple recipes and ingredients.

With its unmatched sweet flavor and tender texture, lump crab meat is a stellar ingredient. I hope these recipes have inspired you to put this delicious seafood to use in appetizing new ways. From crab cakes to casseroles, the possibilities for enjoying lump crab are endless. Now it’s time to get cooking and savor this luxurious taste of the sea!