These easy crab meat recipes are full of flavor and sure to satisfy your seafood cravings! Being from Maryland, I grew up eating many of these delicious dishes. Now you can enjoy them, too!
Many of the recipes are healthy without sacrificing taste. You will enjoy making these crab meat recipes for snacks, appetizers, lunches, and dinners.
I have hand-selected a list of easy crab meat recipes that you can make to feed yourself or your family! If you love seafood, try these this cioppino recipe and this hot shrimp dip, too.
Crab is a versatile food that is high in protein and low in carbs. It’s great during the summer for a light meal and during the winter months as comfort food.
You can use crab to make dips, cakes, bowls, soups, and salads. It’s easy to cook and has the right amount of seafood flavor without being overpowering.
Crabmeat doesn’t need much to bring out its flavor. A touch of Old Bay seasoning and some lemon juice is a great base. Sprinkle on some green onions for a mild onion taste and pretty garnish.
Why We Love These Recipes
There are so many yummy, easy, and healthy recipes on this list. I love to incorporate crab recipes into my weekly meals because it’s a great way to get in some good protein. You can make backfin crab meat in so many different ways too!
These crab recipes offer something for everyone, whether you are keto, gluten-free, or just trying to eat healthier in general. Crab tastes great fresh, but can also be tasty from a can as long as you doctor it up a little bit.
We don’t care for imitation crab recipes as growing up eating the real deal has ruined us for the fake stuff!
These recipes will show you how to bring out all the great crab flavor and what ingredients complement it!
Authentic Maryland Crab Dip Recipe
This Maryland crab dip recipe is one of my favorite appetizers. I’ve been eating Chesapeake Bay Maryland blue crabs all my life, and this is a recipe from years of eating crab dip!
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Easy Baked Crab Balls Recipe
Our Baked Crab Balls are so good, you'll be making them all the time. We used fresh lump crab meat and Old Bay along with a few other ingredients for perfect crab balls every time.
Easy Baked Crab Balls
Old Bay Crab Cakes
This easy Crab Cake recipe is made with lump crab meat and Old Bay, Maryland style! A Maryland Crab Cakes is always made with Old Bay and lots of fresh Maryland crab meat. You’ll never make crab cakes another way!
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Hot Butter Crab Recipe
This recipe from Maryland made with blue crab meat and butter is the best way to really taste the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.
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Italian Crab Cakes
These delicious crab cakes are as easy to make as they are to eat! Fresh lump crab meat is combined with red bell pepper and dijon mustard then rolled in bread crumbs. Serve as an appetizer or with a salad as a main course, either way, the rave reviews will follow.
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Air Fryer Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
These Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms are filled with a savory flaked lump crab stuffing then baked in the air fryer or oven for pop-in-your-mouth goodness at your next party, event, or a treat for yourself. This is a great alternative to traditional stuffed mushrooms, plus it’s such an easy recipe.
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Salmon Poke Bowls with Crab Salad
These delicious bowls are packed with flavor and give you a marvelous sushi experience in the comfort of your own home. These poke bowls are jam-packed with so many delicious and fresh ingredients. It is a new favorite at our house!
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Gluten-Free Crab Cakes (Grain-Free)
These Homemade Crab Cakes are super flavorful and easy to make. This recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, and simply delicious! These easy crab cakes are made with almond flour and dairy-free mayonnaise.
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Keto Crab Mac and Cheese
This creamy Crab Mac and Cheese is made with cauliflower, making it a delicious low-carb dinner. Serve with veggies for dinner or as a dip for the perfect snack. Pop it in the oven and bake until the top is golden brown.
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Maryland Style Crab Imperial
This classic presentation of a timeless favorite is so easy to make it almost makes itself. And once you’ve tasted the decadent flavor of this crab imperial, it will become one of your all-time favorite recipes. Real crab meat is mixed with mayo, lemon juice, and old bay seasoning. Sprinkle with a little red pepper for a kick!
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She Crab Bisque
She crab soup is a South Carolina classic! This easy and delicious soup will transport you to Charleston. You’re going to want to fill up a large bowl of this soup. Top it with a dollop of sour cream and a little hot sauce!
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Air Fryer Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Crab Cakes are made with lump crabmeat and air fry to crispy perfection in less than 15 minutes. Perfect to serve as an appetizer or light lunch! These are the best crab cakes and they use simple ingredients. Serve them with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
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Risoni Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon and Crab
Looking for an easy yet entertaining worthy pasta salad recipe? Elevate this Risoni Salad with the saltiness of the hot smoked salmon and the delicious flavours of crab meat.
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Crab Cake Sliders With Basil-Avocado Aioli
These crab cake sliders are the perfect party snack. You can pan-fry or broil them for your convenience, and they’re always a crowd favorite. The crab mixture combines Worcestershire sauce, old bay seasoning, and dijon mustard. Serve these cakes on brioche buns with arugula and red onion.
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Seafood Pasta Salad (with Crab and Shrimp)
This shrimp and crab salad recipe is a New England summer vacation in a bowl! Creamy pasta shells are tossed with Old Bay seasoning, lots of shrimp and crab, lemon, onion, celery, and herbs. This creamy seafood is perfect for a special occasion like Independence Day.
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Crab Puppies
These easy-to-make Crab Puppies are a fancy version of a traditional Hush Puppy. They are so good you will wonder what took you so long to make them! Serve these with a side of crab cake sauce or sweet chili sauce. The perfect way to get your seafood fix in appetizer form!
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Spicy Crab and Corn Bisque
Spicy Crab and Corn Bisque is rich, smooth, and creamy with sweet corn and chunks of lump crab. You’ll love this fuss-free recipe for a quick appetizer or dinner! This bisque tastes best with fresh crab, which you can find in the seafood department at your local grocery store.
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Uramaki Sushi with Chilli Crab
This Uramaki Sushi with Chilli Crab is my favorite sushi roll of all time. The crabmeat mixture uses dark and white crabmeat. This easy meal looks impressive despite only taking about 25 minutes to make. Perfect to serve at a dinner party!
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Chilled Old Bay Crab Salad Low Carb Stuffed Mushrooms
Chilled Old Bay Crab Salad Low Carb Stuffed Mushrooms is an easy appetizer idea that’s perfect for serving at your next gathering. Mushrooms and crab are a perfect combination.
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Healthy Crab Meat Salad with Lime
This healthy crab meat salad is refreshing and perfect for summer! It's brimming with avocado, tomatoes, shallots, and tossed in tangy lime juice. It takes minimal effort to make, but it is simply delicious!
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Thai Style Grapefruit and Crab Salad
This is an absolutely gorgeous and delicious way to use crab with either pomelo or grapefruit. It's more than likely something your guests have never tried. It feels exotic and elegant in presentation yet it's easy to make. It's also healthy and light.
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Tasty Thai Crab Fried Rice
Crab Fried Rice is a classic Thai recipe and today you can make it at home! Crab, peppers, sauce, and cilantro come together to make this delicious spicy dish. If you like fried rice or Thai food or just great food, check out this recipe.
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Hot Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe
Hot Crab Artichoke Dip in Mini Bread Bowls is an easy and delicious snack perfect for all your holiday or entertaining needs. Filled with artichoke, spinach, lump crab meat, and cheese, guests will love the fun and delicious cheesy flavor of this crab artichoke dip.
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Steamed Crab Legs – Give This Authentic Crab Recipe From Norwegian Fishermen A Go
Cooking with crab may sound complicated but these Steamed Crab Legs are super easy to prepare. This tender crab meat is perfect on its own or you can add it to a salad, platter, or soup.
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Creamy Crab Pasta with Chili and Basil
Creamy Crab Pasta – a fresh combination of tomato, basil, chili, garlic & lemon added to sweet crab meat, all together in a creamy sauce served with angel hair pasta.
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Crab Pasta Recipe with Pesto, Mushrooms & Tomatoes
This crab pasta recipe is gluten-free and can be made with canned or shredded imitation crab meat and pasta mix. This is a simple recipe and an easy way to feed your people!
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Easy Roasted Tomato Soup (Crab Bisque)
Rich, creamy, thick, and hearty. Stick to your ribs’ main course soup recipe. Stovetop and slow cooker directions.
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Crab Cheese Ball
If you love crab rangoon, you will love this easy Crab Cheese Ball recipe! It's full of flavor from lump crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella cheese, and seasonings! Plus, it's easy to prep ahead for last-minute occasions!
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Top Tips for Making Recipes with Crab Meat
Crabmeat is delicate seafood and can be easily overseasoned. I would recommend tasting as you go and watching how much salt you put on it. I often will taste test after each seasoning that I add in crab recipes.
If you can get fresh local crab meat, it will always be better! Lump is our favorite, but it can be very expensive. Fresh lump crab meat from blue crabs or fresh Dungeness crabs is the best.
Keep in mind if you opt for canned crab meat, the flavor will be different compared to fresh crab meat. That being said, you can soak the canned meat in ice water for 10 minutes, rinse, then dry. This will help get rid of some of the tin taste from the metal. Also, if you are using fresh crabs, be sure to use the meat within two days after purchase or catch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes well with crab meat? There are so many different flavors that complement crab outside butter and garlic. Some great side dishes for crab are potatoes, artichokes, Brussel sprouts, zucchini, corn, and caesar salad. If you’re looking for an adult beverage to go with your crab, try a sweet, dry Rose. It pairs very well with the saltiness from the fresh crab.
What is the best way to cook crab meat? My personal favorite is to steam crabs with Old Bay and beer. Another popular way is to season crab legs with butter, garlic, parsley, and lemon, then bake in the oven for about 5 minutes. They turn out perfect every time!
How do you know when crab meat is bad? Crab will have a distinct rancid and sour smell when it has gone bad. Fresh crabs will smell like the ocean, but they shouldn’t smell overly fishy. This is an indication that it’s past its expiration date. Rancid-smelling crabs can also mean shellfish poisoning. Always be cautious while eating shellfish and don’t eat raw crab meat.
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Meet the author
Welcome! I’m Kelly!
Writer, Traveler, Lover of good Food and Wine.
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