Three Delicious Crab Recipes: Crab Dip, Crab Cakes, and Steamed Crabs

Paula Deen

Video Stats

Channel: Paula Deen
Host: Paula Deen
Published: Jul 1, 2025
Views: 6.3k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

This crab-themed recipe collection is a delightful way to celebrate the bounty of the sea. The crab dip is a standout, combining creamy textures with a spicy kick, making it a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Using fresh lump crab meat ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, while the addition of jack cheese adds a delightful creaminess.

The crab cakes are another highlight, featuring a lemon dill sauce that complements the sweet crab meat beautifully. The process of mixing in sautéed vegetables and binding everything with egg creates a satisfying texture that holds up well during frying. It’s a dish that can be prepped ahead of time, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience when guests arrive.

Finally, the steamed crabs bathed in garlic butter are a true indulgence. The simplicity of this dish allows the natural sweetness of the crab to shine through, enhanced by the aromatic garlic and a splash of white wine. Served with crusty French bread, this meal is perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Each recipe showcases the versatility and deliciousness of crab, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:12

Grate jack cheese and toss it with crab meat, Parmesan cheese, and green onions.

02:01

Tip: Store live crabs in a cooler with ice to keep them fresh.

2
03:54

Add Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, roasted garlic, salt, dry mustard, hot sauce, and pepper to the mixture.

04:01

Tip: Use roasted garlic for a richer flavor, but raw garlic can be used if preferred.

3
04:47

Gently fold in mayonnaise and transfer to a casserole dish.

4
04:52

Bake in a preheated oven until bubbly.

05:05

Tip: Use a chafing dish to keep crab dip warm during a cocktail party.

5
05:27

Blend cream of mushroom soup and cream of asparagus soup in a pot.

6
06:00

Whisk in half and half and milk until hot.

7
06:14

Gently add crab meat to the soup mixture.

8
06:41

Add cherry and honey to the bisque.

9
07:30

Serve the bisque in bowls and garnish with black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and paprika.

10
08:11

Serve the bisque with saltine or soda crackers.

11
09:05

Start by making the lemon dill sauce with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest, buttermilk, and lemon juice.

10:05

Tip: Let the lemon dill sauce sit in the refrigerator to blend flavors.

12
10:10

Chop fresh dill and parsley and add to the sauce.

13
10:34

Sauté green onions, red bell pepper, and garlic in butter and olive oil.

11:10

Tip: Sauté vegetables until limp to enhance flavor in crab cakes.

14
11:22

Combine sautéed vegetables with Dijon mustard, parsley, red pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs.

15
12:25

Gently fold in crab meat and mold into patties.

12:44

Tip: You can prepare crab cakes in advance and refrigerate them before frying.

16
12:50

Place crab cakes on a baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to fry.

17
13:01

Sauté crab cakes in a mixture of oil and butter until golden brown.

18
14:12

Remove crab cakes from the pan and let them drain on paper towels.

19
14:17

Melt butter and add garlic for the crab bath.

20
15:10

Back the crabs by removing the shell and cleaning out the insides.

17:05

Tip: Use a mixture of butter and olive oil to prevent burning while sautéing.

21
17:14

Add crabs to melted butter and garlic, sprinkle with white wine and lemon.

22
18:04

Pour crabs onto a platter and serve with French bread.

19:04

Tip: Always store seafood in a bowl of ice in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Parmesan Cheese1/2 cup
Green Onion1/4 cup
Garlic4 cloves
Butter2 tbsp
Olive Oil1 tbsp
Dijon Mustard1 tbsp
Egg1
Breadcrumbs1 cup
Lemon1
Hot Sauce1 tsp
Mayonnaise1/2 cup
Cream Of Mushroom Soup1 can
Cream Of Asparagus Soup1 can
Half And Half1/4 cup
Milk1/4 cup
Fresh Parsley1/4 cup
Red Bell Pepper1/2
White Wine1/4 cup
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Shellfish

    → Substitution: Imitation Crab

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Cream

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
20
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Blue crabs are known for their sweet, tender meat, making them a favorite in coastal cuisine.
  • Crab cakes can be prepared in advance and cooked just before serving, making them ideal for entertaining.
  • Using fresh herbs like dill and parsley enhances the flavor of crab dishes significantly.
  • Garlic butter is a classic accompaniment for steamed crabs, adding richness and depth.