Craving a delicious seafood dish? Look no further than crab! Whether you’re looking for a quick, easy appetizer or a gourmet meal for a special occasion, these 35+ tasty crab recipes have something for everyone.
Isn’t fresh crab the best?!
If you happen to find yourself with extra crab at home, try out one of these crab recipe ideas.
From crab salad, crab appetizers, crab bisque, crab cakes, and more, these delicious recipes will make your mouth water, and you’re sure to find a dish that everyone will love!
PS – Be sure to check out these 37+ tasty imitation crab recipes too! Plus, here’s 10+ dipping sauces for crab legs. And, heres 20+ sides for crab legs.
The BEST Crab Recipes for Dinner
Crab Spaghetti
Crab meat and spaghetti come together in this restaurant-quality Crab Spaghetti recipe. Delicate lump crab meat and al dente pasta noodles are tossed in a luxurious white wine pasta sauce and topped with fresh gremolata for a dash of elegance. Easy to make and bursting with bright and zesty flavors, it’s a must-try for laid-back weeknights and date nights!
Crab Spaghetti
California Roll Deviled Eggs
California Roll Deviled Eggs are an easy, delicious variation of the classic recipe. The creamy yolks are combined with wasabi for a spicy kick, then they're topped with crab, avocado and cucumber.
Crab Deviled Eggs
Butter for Crab Legs
Learn how to make butter for crab lets. This rich and buttery sauce is a must with crab legs, lobster tails, steamed shrimp, and more. Keep it simple with the base recipe or take it up a notch with any of the 3 flavor variations (garlic, lemon, and spicy)!
Crab Butter
Crab Encrusted Halibut with Sweet Chili Sauce
This Crab Encrusted Halibut recipe with Chili Cream Sauce is inspired by The Waterfront Depot in Florence, Oregon.
Crab Encrusted Halibut
Crab Cake Sauce
This cool and creamy Crab Cake Sauce has just enough tanginess, smokiness, and spice to pair with far more than crab cakes. It’s fantastic with fries and other crispy finger foods, spread on sandwiches, and even with steak!
Crab Cake Sauce
Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Crab Stuffed Shrimp with juicy jumbo shrimp, rich and creamy crab stuffing, and crispy golden ritz cracker crumbs can easily pass as an elegant party appetizer or cozy midweek comfort food – especially when paired with your choice of these 40+ best side dishes for shrimp!
Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Hot Crab Dip
This cheesy hot crab dip requires less than 10 minutes of hands-on prep and is a crowd pleaser every time. It’s simple, but oh so good!
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Hot Crab Dip
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
I’m sharing my favorite simple Maryland crab cake recipe made with minimal flavors to let the crab flavor shine served with remoulade sauce. Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Crab Dip in a Bread Bowl
This homemade crab dip can be served hot or cold for an easy seafood appetizer. I like serving it in a bread bowl.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Crab Dip in a Bread Bowl
Crab and Avocado Eggs Benedict
Brunch doesn’t get better than with this variation of the classic eggs benedict that amps up the star power with crab and avocado.
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Crab and Avocado Eggs Benedict
Crab Fried Rice
This version of fried rice is full of fluffy eggs, scallions, plenty of garlic and large chunks of lump crab meat seasoned simply.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Crab Fried Rice
Simple Seafood Bisque
Simple Seafood Bisque with crab, shrimp and more! Get the RECIPE from The Modern Proper
Simple Seafood Bisque
Corn & Crab Chowder with Fingerling Potato Chips
This chowder is made with a corn based broth filled with bacon and crab meat served topped with seasoned crispy fingerling potato chips.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Corn & Crab Chowder with Fingerling Potato Chips
Crab Spaghetti with Lemon Gremolata
Simple yet elegant, this Crab Spaghetti is pure comfort food with a high brow touch—because who doesn’t find comfort in twirling pasta around the big old clumps of sweetly lush lump crab.
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Crab Spaghetti with Lemon Gremolata
Crab Salad with Popped Quinoa and Tarragon Dressing
Crab meat salad over tender butter lettuce with cherry tomatoes, avocado, crispy popped quinoa and a tangy tarragon and chive dressing.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Crab Salad with Popped Quinoa and Tarragon Dressing
Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon
This Cajun stuffed salmon recipe has a bold and zesty crab stuffing that’s simple to make! Elevate any weeknight dinner or serve this seafood treat for company.
Get the RECIPE from Salt and Lavender
Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon
Avocado Cucumber Lime Gazpacho with Crab
Avocado is blended together with cucumber, lime and Serrano pepper for a chilled creamy, velvety soup that is perfect for hot summer weather.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Avocado Cucumber Lime Gazpacho with Crab
Chilled Corn and Crab Soup
Sweet corn and almond milk create an easy, chilled soup for a light lunch or dinner topped with crab and avocado that takes only 30 minutes to prepare.
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Chilled Corn and Crab Soup
Summer Vegetable Risotto with Bacon and Crab
With squash, corn, spinach, bacon and crab, this vegetable packed risotto is a great entrée for a summer night.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Summer Vegetable Risotto with Bacon and Crab
Seafood Stuffed Shells with Creamy Old Bay Béchamel
The ultimate Seafood Stuffed Shells, filled with shrimp, scallops, lump crab (or any fish you love!) & smothered in creamy Old Bay béchamel.
Get the RECIPE from Plays Well with Butter
Seafood Stuffed Shells with Creamy Old Bay Béchamel
Crab + Yuzu Guacamole
Classic guacamole made with avocado is mixed with Japanese citrus, yuzu with crabmeat paired with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Crab + Yuzu Guacamole
Crab and Avocado Grilled Cheese
Crab and Avocado Grilled Cheese. The best way to indulge in a delicious sandwich! Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Crab and Avocado Grilled Cheese
Thai-Inspired Crab Cakes with Mango Chutney + Apple Slaw
In this Thai crab cake recipe, crab is mixed with ground shrimp, panko breadcrumbs and more served with mango chutney and apple slaw.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Thai-Inspired Crab Cakes with Mango Chutney + Apple Slaw
Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados
Lightened-up crab salad stuffed avocados topped with mint and chopped pistachios are an easy and healthy brunch, lunch, or light dinner idea.
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados
Crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwich with Calabrian Chili Mayo
Soft shell crabs served fried cornmeal batter over a brioche bun with tomatoes, arugula and a tangy Calabrian chili mayonnaise for an American summer classic.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwich with Calabrian Chili Mayo
The BEST Whole Dungeness Crab Recipe
Boiling whole Dungeness crabs is the simplest way to create a festive dinner that looks totally elegant but is actually very easy to prepare.
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
The BEST Whole Dungeness Crab Recipe
Seasoned Garlic Crab Fries with Aioli
Old Bay seasoned fries are topped with crabmeat, crispy garlic, and aioli for a summery seafood appetizer.
Get the RECIPE from Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Seasoned Garlic Crab Fries with Aioli
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Cobb Salad
Fresh snow crab and baby shrimp sub in for the traditional chicken in this light but filling Cobb salad tossed with a tangy red wine vinaigrette.
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Cobb Salad
Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Crab stuffed shrimp is an elegant appetizer with delicious sweet flavor in every bite. Easy dish for holiday parties! Can be prepped ahead!
Get the RECIPE from Well Seasoned Studio
Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs
Fresh steamed Alaskan king crab legs are prepped and ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect for date night in or an easy family dinner!
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs
Spicy Crab Pasta
Spicy crab pasta with lemon and capers is an easy weeknight meal ready in less than 20 minutes. Serve for a date night in or dinner party!
Get the RECIPE from Well Seasoned Studio
Spicy Crab Pasta
Chicken, Crab & Andouille Sausage Gumbo
A Southern favorite, gumbo is a relatively easy recipe to master so long as you take it low and slow, in making a roux that creates its signature flavor.
Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Chicken, Crab & Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Crab Bisque
This simple homemade crab bisque is a total luxury! Make sure to use fresh jumbo lump crab for that sweet delicate flavor and texture!
Get the RECIPE from Well Seasoned Studio
Crab Bisque
Lump Crab Salad on Sweet Potato Chips Appetizer
Serve this Lump Crab Salad on Sweet Potato Chips appetizer at your next party. Get the RECIPE from Foodie Crush
Lump Crab Salad on Sweet Potato Chips Appetizer
Baltimore-Style Crab Cake Sandwich
Use sweet jumbo lump crab meat to make a tender crab cake sandwich seasoned with Old Bay and Dijon! Serve on brioche buns with tartar sauce.
Get the RECIPE from Well Seasoned Studio
Baltimore-Style Crab Cake Sandwich
Easy Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta with Crab
A simple seafood dish with no fuss and wonderful anytime of year. Garlic, lemon and pasta are paired with succulent crab in a light and creamy sauce.Get the RECIPE from Cosette's Kitchen
Easy Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta with Crab
How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these crab recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More Ingredient Guides
Did you make any of these crab recipe ideas?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of easy crab recipes. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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Full Recipe
35+ Crab Dinner Ideas
Craving a delicious seafood dish? Look no further than crab! Whether you’re looking for a quick, easy appetizer or a gourmet meal for a special occasion, these 35+ tasty crab recipes have something for everyone. Keep things simple and make Crab Butter, a rich and buttery sauce that’s a must with crab legs. With 3 flavor variations (garlic, lemon, and spicy)!
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Serves 8 people
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ pound unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Garlic Crab Butter
- 3 cloves garlic (grated or finely minced)
Spicy Crab Butter
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Lemon Crab Butter
- ½ lemon (juiced )
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Add the butter to a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow to boil for one minute.
- Remove the butter from the heat and allow to cool, without stirring, until the milk solids rise to the top. Skim off the solids with a spoon and pour the butter into a serving bowl or glass measuring cup.
- Season with a pinch of salt, to taste.
- If desired, stir in additional seasonings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Any extras can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 6 months.
- When it’s time to reheat the crab sauce, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat until the butter is remelted. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 15 to 20-second increments.
Nutrition
Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 814IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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