39 crab recipes

Why we love crab

For us, crab is synonymous with a special occasion. There's something luxurious about the rich brown and tender white meat, which holds up well to big flavours like chilli and lemon, and can be tossed through linguine, baked into creamy lasagne or piled onto zingy, spicy nachos.

Health benefits of crab

As with other types of seafood, crab is high in protein, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, meaning it could help to lower cholesterol levels. It's also high in phosphorus which helps to keep your bones healthy, as well as vitamin B2 which reduces inflammation.

Crab recipes

Crab linguine

Try this simple seafood linguine for a quick, healthy dinner ready in 20 minutes. The tarragon and lemon really lift the dish.

We also have a special seafood linguine.

Crab cakes

Enjoy crab cakes for dinner with this classic fish dish, paired with a rich brown butter sauce. This recipe is from the co-owners of seafood restaurant Prawn on the Lawn.

Give our Thai fish cakes a go.

Crab mac and cheese

This lighter version of mac ’n’ cheese uses crème fraîche in the béchamel which accentuates the mild, sweet flavour of crab.

For a meaty version, try our bacon mac and cheese.

Crab linguine cacio e pepe

Take this cult pasta up a notch with a spike of briny shellfish. It still has the perfect balance of salty cheese, olive oil and plenty of warming black pepper.

If creamy pasta is your thing, try our fettuccine alfredo.

Baked crab and pea giant shells

Spoon zesty crab meat into pasta shells and serve in a creamy pea sauce for a seriously good family dinner.

Get stuck into these comforting pasta bakes.

Potted crab with coronation salad

You can have the crab potted up and in the fridge ready for whenever you need it, then simply toast some bread and make up the salad to serve for an easy starter.

For another old school classic, it's got to be prawn cocktail.

Pea, spinach and crab risotto

Make our vibrant pea risotto as a low-calorie dinner for the family. Serve topped with a punchy chilli crab salsa.

Check out more risotto recipes.

Coconut crab rice

Delicate white crab meat is uplifted with fresh, zingy Thai flavours. If you’re using a large tin of coconut milk, freeze the leftovers for another time.

Singapore chilli crab

This popular Singaporean street food dish sees fresh crab fried in a sweet and spicy sauce. Make sure you’ve got bread at hand to mop up your plate!

Learn more about Singaporean cuisine.

Chilli crab spaghetti

Make a glossy, umami-rich tomato sauce to coat spaghetti, uplifted with salty seafood depth from both white and brown cooked crab meat.

Dressed crab

Boil crab with bay leaves and salt or buy fresh crabmeat to create this as part of an assiette Creole (Creole platter).

Next, try Creole pork ragoût.

Crab toasts

Fresh or frozen crabmeat is easy to buy and a mix of white and brown meat, often called 50/50, gives a good combination of texture and flavour. You could also use tinned crab for this effortless starter, ideal for a stress-free dinner party.

We've got lots more effortless entertaining recipes.

Crab tostadas

This recipe comes from Tacos Padre, a stall at London's Borough Market. It's a vibrant celebration of crabmeat and is best garnished with coriander, jalapeños and fresh lime.

See more easy Mexican recipes.

Crab rarebit

Upgrade your traditional Welsh rarebit by topping it with a creamy mixture of sweet and salty crab, zesty lemon and crème fraîche. Taking seasonal produce and using them to enhance crowd-pleasing pub favourites is chef Dean Freckleton's speciality at the Queen's Head pub.

You've got to try our Guinness rarebit.

Crab and prawn cocktail rolls

Effortless finger food for a party, these rolls look really impressive but are simple to whip up, thanks to shop-bought ingredients and a little know-how. Serve with thick-cut crisps and dressed lettuce leaves.

Get the party started with our party food recipes.

Basque-style crab

Stuff crab shells with a creamy crab, leek and tomato sauce, top with breadcrumbs and grill until bubbling for this very special starter from London's The Red Lion & Sun.

Need ideas for your next dinner party? See all our starter recipes.

Crab thermidor

Crab thermidor is a signature dish at The Long Arms pub in Bradford-on-Avon. It combine sustainable brown crab meat with cheese, mayonnaise, egg yolk, chives, cream and calvados, before baking until bubbling. Serve with fresh bread.

Read more about calvados and how to buy the best.

Crab and avocado rolls

A quicker, more economical version of a classic lobster roll. The avocado makes the filling go further... clever, right?

Browse our best sandwich recipes.

Sri Lankan crab curry (crab kari)

This robust crab curry, flavoured with mustard seeds, fenugreek and lemongrass, comes from Sri Lankan restaurant Hoppers in London.

There's so much to love about Sri Lankan cuisine, give it a go with our Sri Lankan recipes,

Crab fried rice with prik nam pla

Make the most of crab in this crunchy Thai-style wok-fried rice with broccoli, spring onions and Thai dipping sauce.

Read 10 things we love about Thai cuisine.

Spicy crab chowder with avocado

Tinned crab works really well in cooked dishes and is a fraction of the price of fresh. Use crab meat in this delicious spicy chowder packed with delicious fresh ingredients and zingy lime and avocado.

Check out all our easy soups.

Crab pappardelle arrabbiata

Make this fuss-free impressive pasta dish with fresh crabmeat and homemade confit chilli oil from 26 Grains in Covent Garden.

Nail the basics and make your own pasta dough.

Griddled avocados with crab and chorizo

Check out this delicious avocado topped with crab salsa and spicy chorizo. This simple dish is ready in just 20 minutes, great for last-minute entertaining. Serve for a starter with a light green salad and toasted sourdough.

See our ultimate avocado on toast ideas.

Thai-style kohlrabi and crab salad

Check out our punchy Thai-style salad recipe with white crabmeat and kohlrabi. This simple salad is easy to make, low in calories and ready in just 15 minutes.

Take a look at all our kohlrabi recipes.

Baked crab and lemon gnocchi

This recipe for baked crab and lemon gnocchi feels indulgent but is really quick and easy to make, making it a great option midweek.

Check out more of our gnocchi recipes.

Crab arancini

These are a seafood version of Italian arancini or suppli, which are little risotto balls usually filled with meat, tomato ragu or mozzarella. Make this simple crab version for an indulgent canapé or starter.

From rustic dishes to elegant meals, see all our Italian recipes.

Crab and shaved asparagus salad

Try our vibrant salad of crab and crunchy asparagus. This bright spring salad is easy to make and under 500 calories. Use sourdough that’s a day or two old for extra-crunchy croutons.

While it's in season, make use of our asparagus recipes.

Leek and crab lasagne

Leek and crab lasagne is lighter than the meat version and it has a great flavour. Either buy cooked crabs and pick out the meat yourself, discarding the grey-coloured gills and stomach, or buy picked meat.

Or try our classic lasagne.

Crab, chilli and herb omelette

This crab, chilli and herb omelette is low calorie, gluten free and high protein – try it for an alternative lunch.

To keep it veggie, try our chilli, cheese and mushroom omelette.

Crab nachos

Try our simple recipe for crab nachos, it's a great alternative to cheesy or chilli style nachos. This dish is a great starter or quick and easy snack.

Alternatively, serve our meaty classic nachos.

Brown-buttered crab risotto

This recipe for brown-buttered crab risotto is really easy to make and ready in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for midweek.

Try gnocchi with courgettes and brown butter.

Chilli and ginger crab cakes with watercress

Homemade Thai crab cakes are quick and easy to make for a speedy midweek meal. Packed with crab, ginger, chilli and coriander, then served with watercress.

Find more quick and easy ideas.

Crab and avo tacos

These crab and avocado tacos are packed with fresh, zingy flavours and are ready in under 30 minutes.

Everyone will love our fish tacos.

Roast new potatoes with chilli crab salsa

A light and sunny way to enjoy Jersey Royals, with chilli-flecked white crab meat. Perfect served as a light lunch with a glass of cold, crisp white wine in the garden.

See all our seasonal Jersey Royals recipes.

Crab crostini

Light and delicate crab crostini make perfect canapés for drinks parties. Make the crab mix and toast the baguette ahead, but don’t assemble until ready to eat as the bread will become soggy.

Alternatively, try classic bruschetta.

Crab and saffron linguine

Feeling fancy? Impress with this sophisticated linguine dish, flecked with fresh crabmeat, red chilli, lemon zest and saffron.

Make the perfect prawn linguine.

Crab salad with cucumber and grapefruit

This recipe for crab salad with cucumber and grapefruit is packed full of fresh, zesty flavours and makes a great starter or main.

See more grapefruit recipes.

Southern cracked-crab bake

Try this recipe for Southern cracked-crab bake. Simply toss potatoes, red onion and corn with spices then bake, before adding the crab claws and cooking to juicy perfection.

For more recipe inspiration from the American South, also check out our chicken and chorizo jambalaya.

Chet's pineapple rice

Crabmeat is mixed with rice, pineapple and peanuts in this impressive dish from retro American diner Chet’s.