Easy crab recipes

Looking for crab recipes? Try our impressive ways to serve fresh crab here, from seafood salads to dressed crab and more…

When is crab in season?

UK crab season starts in April and ends in December. Crab is at its best between May and October.

Crab recipes

Crab linguine cacio e pepe

Take this cult pasta up a notch with a spike of briny shellfish.

Dressed crab

Boil crab with bay leaves and salt or buy fresh crabmeat to create this essential element in any assiette Creole (Creole platter), written by Vanessa Bolosier. Blue land crab is now a protected species in the French Caribbean and it is only eaten at specific times of the year, but when the hunting season is open there are countless ways of cooking it. For this recipe you can boil sea crabs with bay leaves and salt, then pull out the flesh from the claws and legs; you will also need to wash and sterilise the shell before filling it. To save time, buy crabmeat from a fishmonger’s.

Louisiana crab cakes with spicy mayo

These crab cakes are easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining family and friends. Using chilli tortilla chips as the coating gives them extra crunch and heat but you can also use normal ones, if you like.

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.

Baked crab and pea giant shells

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

Crab thermidor

Crab thermidor is a signature dish at The Long Arms pub in Bradford-on-Avon. They use sustainable pot-caught cock crabs from a small co-op of fishermen in Newlyn called Dreckly Fish, supporting our inshore fishermen and guaranteeing quality and provenance.

Crab and avocado rolls

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

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.

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.

Crab pappardelle arrabbiata

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

Griddled avocados with crab and chorizo

Check out this quick and easy avocado recipe with crab salsa and spicy chorizo. This simple avocado dish is ready in just 20 minutes, great for last-minute entertaining.

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.

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.

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.

Leek and crab lasagne

Leek and crab lasagne is lighter and more refreshing 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.

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.

Salt-crusted Jersey Royals with crab and chilli dip

These make a great starter or snack to serve with drinks. They are salty as you’d expect, so don’t cut any of the potato up as they will absorb more salt.

Västkustsallad

Västkustsallad is a popular salad in Sweden. There are different versions of this west coast salad served all over Sweden with various seafood – the mushrooms are a constant though.

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

Crab and avo tacos

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

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.

Crab and saffron linguine

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