Are you a seafood lover looking for some inspiration to spice up your meals? Look no further than the humble blue crab! Native to the Gulf Coast and Chesapeake Bay regions, blue crabs are a prized delicacy known for their sweet, tender flesh. When combined with bold flavors like spicy seasonings, garlic, and herbs, they become truly unforgettable. In this article, we’ll dive into 20 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the best of blue crab’s versatility. From classic boils to innovative fusion dishes, these spicy blue crab recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Spicy Blue Crab Boil with Old Bay Seasoning
This recipe combines the classic flavors of a traditional blue crab boil with a spicy kick, thanks to the addition of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The result is a deliciously bold and aromatic seafood dish that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb blue crab legs
– 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
– 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– 4-6 lemon wedges
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Water to cover
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab and add the sliced onion, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Add the blue crab legs and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the crab is cooked through.
4. Serve with lemon wedges and white wine (if using).
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Garlic Butter Blue Crab Pasta
Rich and flavorful, this pasta dish combines the sweetness of blue crab with the savory goodness of garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup blue crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add blue crab meat, heavy cream, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Combine cooked pasta and garlic butter sauce in a large serving bowl. Toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay with this classic crab cake recipe, served with a tangy and creamy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
For the crab cakes:
– 1 pound jumbo lump blue crab meat
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
For the remoulade sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a cake.
4. Place cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with mayonnaise.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Meanwhile, prepare remoulade sauce by combining all ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Serve crab cakes hot with remoulade sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cajun Blue Crab Soup
Savor the rich flavors of Louisiana with this hearty and aromatic soup, bursting with succulent blue crab meat and spices. This classic Cajun recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb blue crab meat
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning and paprika; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add blue crab meat, chicken broth, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
6. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half; serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Steamed Blue Crab with Lemon and Herbs
This classic Lowcountry dish showcases the sweet flavor of blue crab, elevated by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fragrant herbs. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying seafood meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb blue crab claws
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the crab claws under cold water, then place them in a large steamer basket.
2. In a separate pot, bring 2-3 inches of water to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Place the steamer basket over the boiling water and cover with a lid.
4. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until crab is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, parsley, dill, and white wine (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Blue Crab and Corn Chowder
A warm and comforting soup perfect for a cozy evening or a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound blue crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in corn kernels and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add blue crab meat, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner party with this decadent and flavorful recipe featuring succulent blue crab, savory mushrooms, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup fresh blue crab meat
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine blue crab meat, softened butter, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the crab mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
4. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Crab and Avocado Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of avocado with the savory flavor of blue crab, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo lump blue crab meat
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, gently combine blue crab meat, diced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture, then drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and chill.
Blue Crab Fried Rice
This delectable Blue Crab Fried Rice recipe combines succulent blue crab meat with savory fried rice, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal. With its blend of textures and flavors, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup blue crab meat
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted.
6. Add the blue crab meat, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, until the crab is fully incorporated.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Blue Crab Bisque with Sherry
This rich and creamy bisque is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, featuring succulent blue crab meat and a hint of sherry. With its smooth texture and bold flavors, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb blue crab meat
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sherry wine
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the blue crab meat and cook until heated through.
5. Add the heavy cream, sherry wine, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let bisque simmer for 10-15 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Crab and Shrimp Étouffée
This classic Louisiana dish combines the sweetness of blue crab with the succulence of shrimp, all wrapped up in a spicy roux-based sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb blue crab claws, steamed and pulled apart
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup fish stock
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Whisk in flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook 1 minute.
4. Gradually add diced tomatoes and fish stock, whisking constantly.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer; cook 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
6. Stir in blue crab and shrimp; season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Crab Dip with Cream Cheese
Elevate your gatherings with this indulgent blue crab dip made with the rich flavors of cream cheese and succulent blue crab. Perfect for parties, tailgating, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– 1/4 cup blue crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in blue crab meat until well combined.
4. Transfer mixture to a baking dish or small cast-iron skillet.
5. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly bubbly.
7. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Crab and Grits
This classic Southern dish combines the sweetness of blue crab with the comforting warmth of stone-ground grits.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo lump blue crab meat, flaked
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or crab broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water or crab broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the grits are creamy and tender.
4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the blue crab meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Stir in Old Bay seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the crab mixture over the cooked grits.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Blue Crab Tacos with Mango Salsa
Savor the sweetness of blue crab paired with the tanginess of mango salsa, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell. This unique fusion will become your new favorite flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound blue crab meat
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Taco shells (6-8)
– Mango salsa (recipe below)
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine blue crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, lime juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Spoon the crab mixture onto taco shells.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve with Mango Salsa (see recipe above).
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Blue Crab Tacos with Mango Salsa!
Blue Crab and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this decadent Blue Crab and Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe, featuring fresh blue crab meat, wilted spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup fresh blue crab meat
– 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine blue crab meat, spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the crab and spinach mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Top stuffed shells with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blue Crab and Sausage Jambalaya
This hearty jambalaya recipe combines the sweetness of blue crab with the savory flavor of spicy sausage, all wrapped up in a flavorful one-pot dish. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb blue crab meat
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white rice for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in paprika, then add crab meat, cooked sausage, and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve hot over white rice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Crab and Corn Fritters
Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these Blue Crab and Corn Fritters are a delicious twist on traditional fritters. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup blue crab meat
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine crab meat, corn kernels, flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the batter into the oil, about the size of a golf ball.
6. Fry fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Blue Crab Linguine with White Wine Sauce
Experience the sweetness of blue crab paired with the tanginess of white wine sauce in this indulgent yet easy-to-make pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz linguine pasta
– 1 lb jumbo lump blue crab meat, flaked
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add flaked blue crab meat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Pour in white wine and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in butter until melted, then add Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss cooked linguine pasta with blue crab sauce, then serve immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blue Crab and Artichoke Dip
This creamy dip is a seafood lover’s dream come true, combining the rich flavor of blue crab with the sweet, tender artichoke hearts. Perfect for parties or game-day gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a touchdown!
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped blue crab meat
– 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, blue crab meat, artichoke hearts, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
5. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or pita bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blue Crab and Potato Hash
Elevate your brunch game with this savory blue crab and potato hash recipe, perfect for a weekend morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb blue crab meat, drained and flaked
– 2 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (5 minutes).
5. Add blue crab meat to the skillet and stir in Old Bay seasoning. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. To assemble, place roasted potatoes on a plate and top with blue crab mixture.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your seafood game with these 20 mouth-watering blue crab recipes! From classic boils to innovative dishes, this collection has something for every sea-loving palate. Try spicy Blue Crab Boil with Old Bay Seasoning or indulge in rich Garlic Butter Blue Crab Pasta. If you’re in the mood for something new, why not try Blue Crab Tacos with Mango Salsa or Blue Crab and Potato Hash? Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you hooked on blue crab.
