Crab is a versatile and delicious seafood that can elevate any meal. Whether you prefer it fresh or canned, crab can be used to make appetizers, salads, soups, pasta, and more. In this blog, we will share some of the best crab recipes for dinner that you can try. These recipes are easy to follow, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests. From crab dip to crab and corn fritters, these dishes will make you feel like you are dining at a fancy restaurant. Read on to discover the healthy crab recipes for dinner parties!
4 Easy Crab Dinner Ideas for Party
Crab and Corn Fritters
Crab and corn fritters are a delicious and popular dish, often served as an appetizer or snack. These fritters combine crab meat and sweet corn with a flavorful batter and then fry them until golden brown and crispy. Here is a basic for crab and corn fritters:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of crab meat jumbo lump
- 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (for color and flavor)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Preparation:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, sweet corn, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, Old Bay seasoning, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and then add the buttermilk. Mix well.
- Pour the egg and buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until you have a smooth batter.
- Add the batter to the crab and corn mixture, and gently fold everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the crab meat to remain in chunks.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C), drop spoonfuls of the fritter batter into the oil.
- Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and put them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the crab and corn fritters hot, with dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
Crab Legs With Garlic Butter
Crab legs with garlic butter is a delicious and popular seafood dish often served in restaurants and enjoyed at home. It's a simple yet flavorful preparation that highlights the natural sweetness of crab meat. Here is the crab dinner menu to make crab legs with garlic butter:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of colossal red king crab legs
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Thaw the crab legs if they are frozen. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator for several hours or running them under cold water.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn't brown.
- Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, and season the garlic butter with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well, and then remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Place the crab legs on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. You can crack the crab legs slightly with a mallet or kitchen shears to make it easier to access the meat.
- Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the crab legs.
- Cover the baking sheet or dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crab legs are heated through.
- Once the crab legs are done, carefully remove them from the oven and serve hot with extra garlic butter for dipping.
Hot Cheesy Crab Dip
Hot cheesy crab dip is a delicious appetizer that combines the flavors of crab meat, cheese, and various seasonings. It's a popular dish for parties, gatherings, or even a tasty snack. Here are crab dish recipes to make hot cheesy crab dip:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fresh lump crabmeat
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat, making sure to be careful not to break it up too much.
- Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped green onions—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- You can broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end to achieve a more golden, bubbly top.
- Serve the hot cheesy crab dip with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Crab Alfredo Pasta
Crab Alfredo Pasta is a delicious dish that combines cooked crab meat with a creamy and cheesy sauce over fettuccine noodles. It is easy to make and perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the cream begins to thicken.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat and heat it through without overcooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the crab Alfredo sauce over the cooked pasta, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!
In Conclusion
These easy crab dinner recipes will elevate your next dinner party to a gourmet experience that your guests will remember for a long time. Whether you opt for the classic crab dip or the zesty corn chowder with crab, the versatility of crab as an ingredient ensures a wide range of flavors and textures to suit all palates. With creativity and these crab ideas for dinner, you can impress your guests and create unforgettable moments around the dining table.
