When a seafood craving hits, these crab recipes are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy classic crab cakes, salads, soups and more.
40 Crab Recipes for When You’re in the Mood for Seafood
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Avocado Crab Boats
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they’re always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
1/40
2/40
Classic Crab Boil
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dig in to Dungeness crab boiled in a special mix of spices. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab: 245 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 956mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 50g protein.
3/40
Wasabi Crab Cakes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen (1/2 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
With wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab cake with 1 teaspoon sauce: 31 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
4/40
Crab-Stuffed Avocado
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
5/40
Hot Crab Pinwheels
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/40
Apricot Crab Stuffed Acorn Squash
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light squash recipe is quick, simple and bursting with rich flavors. It looks so elegant when served on a lovely platter. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 217 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
7/40
Sweet Potato and Crab Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 994mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
8/40
Crab-Stuffed Flounder with Herbed Aioli
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like seafood, you’ll love this scrumptious flounder. The light and creamy aioli sauce tops it off with fresh tones of chives and garlic. —Beverly O'Ferrall, Linkwood, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed fillet with 2-1/2 teaspoons aioli: 276 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 45g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
9/40
Spicy Crab Salad Tapas
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious morsels have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped-edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter. —Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 145 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
10/40
Crabmeat Boats
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this recipe for more than 40 years. You can also spread the filling on small rolls and serve them as an appetizer. —June Strang, Grand Blanc, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 636 calories, 44g fat (16g saturated fat), 155mg cholesterol, 1003mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
11/40
Shrimp & Crab Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick, easy recipe is truly delicious. The succulent, melt-in-your-mouth seafood flavors and textures make for elegant comfort food. To make ahead, just assemble, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. —Jan Bartley, Evergreen, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 1127mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
12/40
Baked Crab Rangoon
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
13/40
Cioppino
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
14/40
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crabmeat
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender crab-stuffed mushrooms with their crispy golden topping are always popular at parties! The crab filling is a delicious special-occasion treat. Serve them while they're warm. —Nancy Aiello, Bloomery, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
15/40
Creamy Seafood Bisque
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This deceptively simple bisque makes a special first course or even a casual meal with a salad or bread. I like to top bowlfuls with shredded Parmesan cheese and green onions. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 453 calories, 36g fat (22g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
16/40
Seafood Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A family favorite, this rice casserole is filled with plenty of seafood and veggies. It's hearty, homey and so easy to make. —Nancy Billups, Princeton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 585 calories, 34g fat (5g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
17/40
Crab and Asparagus Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I get rave reviews from family and friends whenever I make this soup, but the biggest compliment was when my son called to ask for the recipe so he could make it for his roommates. —Patti Bogetti, Magnolia, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 257 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
18/40
Basil-Lemon Crab Linguine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always add herbs to pasta to really punch up the flavor. This linguine looks and tastes like it's from a five-star restaurant. We love it. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 392 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
19/40
Seafood Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich satisfying dish, adapted from a recipe given to me by a friend, is my husband’s favorite. I usually serve it on his birthday. It’s loaded with scallops, shrimp and imitation crab in a creamy sauce. I consider this the “crown jewel” in my repertoire of recipes. —Elena Hansen, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 367 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
20/40
Creamy Seafood Enchiladas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shrimp and crab cooked with a flavorful sauce add up to outstanding enchiladas. I made them for an annual fundraiser, and now they’re always in demand. Spice up the recipe to your taste by adding more green chiles and salsa. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 645 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 252mg cholesterol, 1812mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
21/40
Cream of Crab Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our Chesapeake Bay delicacies is the Maryland Blue Crab. It's abundant from May through October and used in a variety of dishes, like this rich soup.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 262 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
22/40
Carolina Crab Boil
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 2206mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
23/40
Cheese & Crab Brunch Bake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn't love an easy, cheesy seafood casserole that can be pulled together in 30 minutes, refrigerated overnight and baked up the next morning? —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 428 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 286mg cholesterol, 844mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
24/40
Crab Crescents
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 74 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/40
Spicy Shrimp & Crab Cocktail
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (about 9 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
This seafood starter is so good that it makes me love a food I usually don't—radishes! This recipe also calls for spicy V8, but Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix works just as well. Serve the cocktail straight up, with tortilla chips or on a bed of butter lettuce. —Heidi Knaak, Liberty, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 162 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
26/40
Maryland Crab Soup
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this hearty soup that incorporates the best of vegetable soup and flavorful crab. I break whole crabs and claws into pieces and drop them into the soup to cook, then serve it with saltine crackers and a cold beer. —Freelove Knott, Palm Bay, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 202 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1111mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
27/40
Coastal Carolina Muffin-Tin Frittatas
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Incorporating the flavors of a low country South Carolina crab boil, these tasty frittatas are easy to make and fun to eat. If you have leftover cooked potatoes (roasted or boiled), try dicing them and substituting them for the refrigerated shredded potatoes in this recipe. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 frittata: 223 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
28/40
Cajun Crab Poppers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 poppers
From the Recipe Creator:
My brother moved to New Orleans, and I love visiting him and his family whenever I can. These easy jalapeno poppers remind me of my time there. They are stuffed with crab, Cajun seasonings and bacon. —Elizabeth Lubin, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 popper: 88 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
29/40
Crab Crescent Triangles
Total Time
40 min
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
When friends who love crab were planning a party, I created this recipe just for them. These comforting baked bundles wrap up a cheesy seafood filling in convenient crescent roll dough. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 77 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
30/40
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The most casual cookout will seem elegant when it stars this delicate fish combined with seafood stuffing and a lemony sauce. Just add a salad and baguette. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 363 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
31/40
Slow Cooker Hot Crab Dip
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
One batch of this slow-cooker appetizer isn’t enough for my family so I often double the recipe. Bits of sweet onion give the creamy dip a bit of crunch.—Terri Perrier, Simonton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without crackers): 190 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
32/40
Crab Egg Foo Yong
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy a classic Chinese takeout without leaving your home. This makes a quick dinner and is as delicious as what you would get in any restaurant. —Beverly Preston, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 297 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 269mg cholesterol, 1159mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
33/40
Cajun Crab Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my take on the traditional crab cake. I like to top my sandwiches with Cajun remoulade and pile spicy baked sweet potato fries on the side. —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
34/40
California Roll in a Jar
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a big sushi fan, but I don't always have time to make those intricate rolls at home. This jar is layered with my favorite California roll ingredients, so I can get the flavor I love without the fuss. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 349 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein.
35/40
Herbed Seafood Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I wanted a seafood dish for my annual Christmas Eve buffet, my friend gave me a wonderful recipe. This is a rich, creamy casserole loaded with shrimp, scallops and crab. —Donna Schmuland, Westaskiwin, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 404 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
36/40
Baked Crab Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 100 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
37/40
Fish with Crabmeat Topping
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These fillets are elegant enough for company but truly no trouble to make. Fish is abundant here in South Florida, and we like to get together with friends in the afternoon, so I often need to whip up a quick dinner when we get home. This special dish is one of my husband's favorites. —Mary Tuthill, Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 429 calories, 31g fat (6g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1063mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
38/40
Gruyere and Crab Palmiers
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep these little bursts of flavor in my freezer so they can be pulled out and popped into the oven at a moment's notice. Crab, pancetta and Gruyere make an elegant appetizer, and you can make your own variations of the filling. Try chicken and pesto, or a Mediterranean version with spinach and feta. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 palmier: 93 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
39/40
Crab Louie Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Party guests can mingle and enjoy these tasty portable lettuce wraps without having to juggle plates and forks. — Michael Watz, Normal, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled lettuce wrap with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 160 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
40/40
Blend of the Bayou
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me when I first moved here. It's been handed down in my husband's family for generations. It's quick to prepare, nutritious and flavorful. I've passed it on to my children too.—Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
