Crab meat is a tasty treat that can make any meal special. It’s not just for fancy dinners – you can enjoy crab in all sorts of dishes.

From quick lunches to big family feasts, crab adds a touch of luxury to your plate.

You’ll find lots of ways to cook with crab meat in these 18+ recipes.

Some are old favorites like crab cakes, while others might surprise you. There are hot dishes, cold salads, and even wraps.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s a crab recipe that will hit the spot.

1. Crab Rangoon Dip

Crab Rangoon Dip brings the flavors of a classic appetizer into a creamy, shareable form. You’ll love how easy it is to make this crowd-pleasing dish.

To prepare, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add crab meat, green onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

For extra flavor, stir in some garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.

Bake the dip in a preheated oven at 375°F until hot and bubbly.

Serve your Crab Rangoon Dip with crispy wonton chips or fresh vegetables for dipping. It’s perfect for parties or game day snacking.

2. Maryland Style Crab Cakes

Maryland crab cakes are a classic dish that showcases the sweet flavor of lump crab meat. To make authentic Maryland crab cakes, use fresh lump crab meat and very little filler.

Mix the crab meat gently with a small amount of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Add some Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and parsley for extra flavor.

Form the mixture into patties and bake them in a hot oven. This cooking method helps keep the crab cakes moist while developing a crispy exterior.

Serve your Maryland crab cakes with a squeeze of lemon and a side of tartar sauce.

You can enjoy them as an appetizer or main course.

3. Garlic Butter Crab Pasta

Garlic butter crab pasta is a tasty dish that’s quick to make. You’ll need lump crabmeat, pasta, butter, garlic, and lemon.

Cook your pasta according to package directions.

While it’s cooking, melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is lightly browned and smells good.

Add the crab meat to the pan and gently toss it with the garlic butter. Squeeze in some lemon juice for extra flavor.

Mix the cooked pasta with the crab and garlic butter sauce. If it seems dry, add a bit of the pasta cooking water.

Serve your garlic butter crab pasta hot. You can top it with some chopped parsley if you like.

4. Spicy Crab Tacos

Spicy crab tacos are a tasty twist on classic seafood tacos. You can make them with canned lump crabmeat for convenience.

Mix the crab with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add chopped tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro for flavor and crunch.

For heat, include diced jalapeños or a splash of Sriracha sauce. Top with sliced radishes or shredded lettuce for extra texture.

Serve the spicy crab mixture in warm tortillas. For a creamy element, add a dollop of sour cream or avocado sauce.

These tacos are quick to prepare and perfect for a light meal. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

5. Crab and Corn Chowder

Crab and corn chowder is a comforting dish that combines sweet crab meat with juicy corn kernels. You’ll love the creamy broth filled with tender chunks of crab and smoky bacon bits.

To make this chowder, start by cooking bacon until crisp. Add onions, celery, and bell pepper to build a flavorful base.

Mix in corn and crab meat for natural sweetness. Thicken the chowder with a paste of flour and chicken stock. Some recipes add a jalapeño for a spicy kick.

This hearty soup is perfect for cool evenings. The mix of seafood and vegetables creates a satisfying meal in a bowl.

6. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Crab stuffed mushrooms are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need large mushroom caps, crab meat, cream cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Mix crab meat with softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings like thyme and oregano.

Stuff the mushroom caps with the crab mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Bake the stuffed mushrooms in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. They’re done when the mushrooms are tender and the filling is hot.

Serve your crab stuffed mushrooms warm as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings. They’re sure to be a hit with seafood lovers.

7. Creamy Crab Risotto

Creamy crab risotto is a luxurious dish that’s perfect for special occasions. You can make it in under 30 minutes, making it great for weeknight dinners too.

To prepare this dish, you’ll combine rice, water, and wine in a saucepan. As the liquid absorbs, add carrots, onions, shallots, and crab meat.

The key to a good risotto is achieving a creamy texture. The rice should be loose and al dente, not runny. Taste it after about 15-18 minutes of cooking to check.

Just before serving, fold in some chopped chives and Parmesan cheese. For extra flavor, you can top it with a garlic butter wine sauce.

8. Crab Salad Sandwiches

Crab salad sandwiches are a tasty way to enjoy crab meat. You can use real crab or imitation crab for this recipe.

Mix the crab with celery, mayonnaise, and Old Bay seasoning.

Spread the crab mixture on soft white bread like brioche. Some people prefer bakery hot dog buns or French bread. Add chopped sweet red peppers and green onions for extra crunch and flavor.

For a warm version, try an open-faced sandwich. Top the crab salad with mozzarella cheese and broil until golden and melted. This creates a gooey, crispy sandwich that’s hard to resist.

9. Teriyaki Crab Bowl

You can make a tasty teriyaki crab bowl in just a few simple steps.

Start by cooking rice according to package directions.

While the rice cooks, mix teriyaki sauce with lime juice and zest in a bowl. Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic, ginger, and scallions.

Add crab meat to the pan and toss with the teriyaki sauce mixture. Cook until heated through.

Serve the teriyaki crab over the rice. Add toppings like sliced cucumber, avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This quick and flavorful meal combines sweet and savory flavors in one bowl.

10. Crab and Avocado Toast

Crab and avocado toast is a tasty, easy-to-make dish. You can whip it up quickly for a light meal or appetizer.

Start with toasted bread slices. Mash ripe avocado and spread it on the toast. Top with fresh crab meat.

Add some lime juice for a zesty kick. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, try adding sliced tomatoes or a dash of hot sauce.

This recipe is versatile. You can use different types of bread or add herbs like cilantro or chives. Experiment with toppings to find your favorite combination.

11. Crab Fried Rice

Crab fried rice is a tasty dish that combines cooked rice with crab meat and veggies. You can make it in about 20 minutes for a quick meal.

Start by cooking your rice ahead of time.

Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Fry some onions and garlic until soft.

Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for a few minutes. Mix in salt, sugar, and any other seasonings you like.

Gently fold in crab meat near the end of cooking. Be careful not to break it up too much. Add some chopped green onions and cilantro for extra flavor.

Serve your crab fried rice hot with lime wedges on the side. You can also try it with shrimp instead of crab for a different twist.

12. Crab Enchiladas

Crab enchiladas offer a delicious twist on a Mexican favorite. You’ll need corn tortillas, crab meat, cheese, and a creamy sauce.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic. Mix in the crab meat, bell peppers, and spices. Fill tortillas with this mixture and roll them up.

Place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Top with a white sauce made from milk, flour, and chili. Sprinkle cheese over the sauce.

Bake at 350°F until the cheese melts and turns golden. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if you like.

This dish combines the rich flavor of crab with the comfort of cheesy enchiladas. It’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

13. Crab and Artichoke Dip

Crab and artichoke dip is a tasty appetizer perfect for parties. You’ll love this creamy, savory blend of crab meat and artichoke hearts.

To make it, mix crab meat, chopped artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Add some lemon juice, garlic, and spices for extra flavor.

Bake the dip in a dish until it’s hot and bubbly. The top will turn golden brown. Serve it warm with crackers, bread slices, or fresh veggies for dipping.

This dip is versatile. You can add extras like spinach, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers to change it up. Make it ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake and serve.

14. Lemon Herb Crab Salad

Lemon Herb Crab Salad is a tasty and refreshing dish you can whip up quickly. It combines sweet crab meat with bright lemon and fresh herbs.

To make it, mix crab meat with lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.

You can serve this salad on its own or use it as a filling for sandwiches. It’s great on top of crisp lettuce leaves or as a dip with crackers.

This light salad is perfect for hot summer days or as an elegant appetizer. The lemon brightens the crab’s natural sweetness, while the herbs add depth.

15. Crab Bisque

Crab bisque is a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for special occasions. You can make it at home with just a few key ingredients.

Start by sautéing onions and celery in butter. Add garlic and tomato paste for extra flavor. Pour in broth and simmer with rice to thicken the soup naturally.

Blend the mixture until smooth. Stir in cream and milk to create a silky texture. Finally, add lump crab meat and heat through.

Serve your homemade crab bisque hot. It pairs well with crusty bread for dipping. You can make it ahead and reheat gently, adding fresh crab just before serving.

16. Crab Alfredo

Crab Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender crab meat with a velvety sauce. To make it, cook fettuccine or linguine until al dente.

In a pan, melt butter and add heavy cream. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add minced garlic for extra flavor.

Fold in chunks of crab meat, being careful not to break them up too much. Gently toss the pasta with the sauce and crab.

Serve your Crab Alfredo hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. This indulgent meal is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.

17. Crab and Mango Salad

Crab and mango salad is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. You’ll love the mix of sweet mango and tender crab meat.

To make it, combine lump crab meat with diced ripe mango. Add some chopped cilantro and mint for extra flavor.

Mix in a light dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and a dash of hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens. For added freshness, you can include slices of cantaloupe or avocado.

This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s great as a light lunch or appetizer.

18. Baked Crab Empanadas

Baked crab empanadas are a tasty twist on the classic Latin American pastry. You’ll want to use lump crabmeat for the best flavor and texture.

To make the filling, sauté onions, garlic, and peppers in oil. Add the crabmeat and cook briefly. Some recipes include chopped tomatoes for extra flavor.

For the dough, you can use pre-made pie crusts or make your own.

Cut the dough into circles and place a spoonful of filling in the center of each. Fold the dough over and seal the edges.

Brush the empanadas with egg wash and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Serve these savory pastries as an appetizer or light meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Crab Meat

Crab meat packs a powerful nutritional punch. It offers a range of health benefits thanks to its rich protein content and essential nutrients.

Rich In Protein

Crab meat is an excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein. This meets around 40% of your daily protein needs.

Protein helps build and repair your muscles. It also keeps you full for longer, which can help with weight control.

Crab’s protein is easy for your body to use. This makes it great for people of all ages, from growing kids to active adults.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Crab meat is loaded with important vitamins and minerals.

It’s rich in vitamin B12, which helps keep your nerves and blood cells healthy. You’ll also get a good dose of zinc from crab.

Zinc boosts your immune system and helps wounds heal faster. Crab provides selenium too. This mineral acts as an antioxidant in your body. It helps protect your cells from damage.

Crab also gives you omega-3 fatty acids. These good fats support heart and brain health.

Culinary Techniques for Cooking Crab Meat

Cooking crab meat requires careful handling to preserve its delicate flavor and texture. The right technique can make all the difference in your crab dishes.

Steaming and Boiling

Steaming crab meat keeps it moist and brings out its natural sweetness. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and place a steamer basket inside.

Bring the water to a boil, then add your crab meat to the basket. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes.

Boiling is another easy method. Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your crab meat and cook for 3-5 minutes.

Don’t overcook, or the meat will become tough.

Both methods work well for fresh or frozen crab meat. After cooking, plunge the crab into ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the meat tender.

Grilling and Roasting

Grilling adds a smoky flavor to crab meat. Brush the meat with butter or oil and place it on a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

Use a grill basket to prevent small pieces from falling through the grates.

Roasting crab meat in the oven is simple and flavorful. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the crab meat in a baking dish, add some butter or olive oil, and roast for 5-7 minutes.

For both grilling and roasting, season the crab meat with herbs, garlic, or lemon juice to enhance its flavor. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the meat and make it tough.