23 Easy and Delicious Recipes Using Fresh Crab

Rich in flavor and nutrition yet low in fat and calories, crab is a versatile food. Crab can replace other proteins in many dishes and pairs well with many vegetables for salads, soups, and stir-frys. 

Crab appetizer recipe ideas

Choose one of these appetizers that feature crab meat as a light starter to your meal, or make up a few to serve at your next party. 

1. Artichoke crab cakes 

A new twist on a classic, the artichoke crab cakes make for a quick appetizer, or make more and serve atop a bed of greens for a main dish. These can be made in advance and reheated to save time. 

2. Crab Louis Canapes 

Creamy avocado, mayonnaise, and horseradish team up with crab meat in these flavorful Crab Louis Canapes. The mixture should be made at least an hour in advance to let flavors meld together but can be refrigerated up to eight hours before serving on toasted baguette slices.

3. Crab Rangoon

A classic at Chinese restaurants, Crab Rangoon, is easy to make and cooks up fast. You might want to make a double batch to ensure everyone gets their fill! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or eat plain. 

4. Crab stuffed portobello mushrooms

Add some chopped crab meat to your favorite recipe for stuffed portobello mushrooms. These make great appetizers or side dishes. 

5. Creamy crab dip

The shredded crab meat gives texture to this creamy mixture of mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic, onion, and green onions. Serve with an assortment of crackers.

6. Baked crab balls

A healthier alternative to crab cakes, baked crab balls use nearly identical ingredients and can be baked or placed in your air fryer for a nice crispy outside without the excess calories. 

Crab main dish recipe ideas

Try something new tonight with one of these main dishes that use crab meat as the primary protein. 

1. Crab cake sliders

There’s a new slider in town, and it just may become your favorite!  These crab cake sliders are served on buttery rolls and are a treat to your mouth. 

2. Muffin-tin crab cakes

A healthier twist on the traditional version, these muffin-tin crab cakes are a cinch to put together. Since they bake for 25 minutes, you have time to throw together a salad and slice some bread to make it a meal.  

3. Crab stuffed tacos

Replace your usual protein with crab meat. Add some Old Bay seasoning and horseradish to give them a nice coastal flavor and serve in your favorite type of taco shell. 

4. Crab alfredo pasta

Have dinner on the table in minutes with this easy pasta recipe. As the noodles are cooking, saute a pound of crab meat in two tablespoons of butter. Pour a jar of alfredo sauce into the pan, stir and heat thoroughly. Add garlic powder to taste and serve over the cooked pasta. 

5. Thai crab fried rice

Garlic, ginger, cilantro, and lime give authentic Asian flavor to this staple dish, while the crab meat provides a change from the more common chicken or beef.

6. Crab Rangoon pizza

Your favorite appetizer in pizza form! Use a premade pizza crust from the bakery as the base for the cream cheese and ranch dressing “sauce.” Top with chopped crab and drizzle with sweet and sour sauce before baking. 

7. Crab rolls

Fill bakery rolls with this delightful salad made with fresh crab meat, chopped celery and red onion, and Old Bay seasoning. Leftover salad can be refrigerated and becomes more flavorful the second day. 

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Crab salads and sides recipe ideas

Don’t let these recipes fool you. They can stand alone as a meal if you add a small salad, bread, or some fruit on the side. 

1. King crab & potato salad

Dressed with a light lemony dressing, this King crab & potato salad also features green beans and radishes.

2. Lemony crab-and-squash salad

A nice light salad that is quite filling with the protein from the crab meat and eggs, the lemony crab-and-squash salad will become a family favorite. Serve with extra leafy greens and crackers for a nice meal. 

3. Seafood salad

This is a lovely salad with crab, shrimp, and veggies tossed in a dill dressing. It whips up quickly so you can have a meal on the table in just minutes. 

4. Roasted poblano, corn, and crab soup

This dish is full of south-of-the-border flavors with roasted corn providing a smoky taste, poblano pepper adding some spice, and a bit of lime juice for a kick of citrus to complement the mild crab. 

5. Crab bisque

Hearty enough for the main portion of your meal or served in small amounts as an appetizer, crab bisque is the ultimate comfort food. Made from seafood stock and fresh crab, this is one food you’ll want to make over and over again. 

6. Crab pepper cheese soup

Creole seasoning, pepper jack cheese, heavy cream, and half and half make a creamy base that’s bursting with flavor. Use canned or fresh crab and serve with crusty bread to make a meal out of this soup. 

Crab breakfast recipe ideas

A twist on some breakfast standbys, these dishes work well any time of the day. 

1. Crab melts

Spread a cream cheese and herb mixture on top of English muffins or bread. Then add chopped crab meat and cheddar cheese. Broil for a few minutes until cheese melts.

2. Seafood omelet with avocado salsa

Start your morning off with this protein-packed seafood omelet with avocado salsa. You get not only eggs, but crab helps you power through your day. Of course, this makes a delightful dinner as well. 

3. Crab quiche

As colorful as it is delicious, this quiche is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Crabmeat and eggs join with yellow onion, red and green peppers, and yellow cheddar for a breakfast that looks almost too pretty to eat. 

4. King crab avocado toast

Upgrade your avocado toast by adding some king crab pieces. Top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt, and fresh chives to accentuate the mild flavor of the crab. 

Stock your fridge with fresh and frozen crab

With options like canned crab and frozen crab, there’s no reason not to have some on hand for those busy days when you need a quick meal.  When you don’t have enough hours in your day, let Instacart help. Our experienced shoppers pick your groceries and can deliver them to your door, saving you time for the rest of your to-do list. 

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