Seafood | Gluten Free Low Calorie

Crabmeat

Brachyura (Infraorder) Allergens: Shellfish
crabmeat

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Varies by species (e.g., Blue Crab: late spring-fall, Dungeness: winter)
  • Source Crab (e.g., Blue crab, Snow crab, Dungeness crab)

The Forktionary Angle

"The Ocean's Sweetest Treat"

Definition

The edible flesh harvested from various species of crabs, known for its sweet, delicate flavor and flaky texture, commonly used in seafood dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Salty, Umami, Delicate, Briny
TextureFlaky, Tender, Succulent
AromaOcean, Mildly Briny, Sweet
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Best Use (Lump)

Crab cakes, salads

Protein Content (per 100g)

Approx. 19g

Types (Common)

Blue, Dungeness, King, Snow

Nutrition Facts

Per 85g (3oz)
Calories83 kcal
Total Fat0.8 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol55 mg
Protein18.1 g
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium89 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Potassium229 mg

Chef’s Secret

For crab cakes, minimize fillers and gently mix to preserve the delicate crab texture.

Substitutions

Best Match

Surimi (Imitation Crab)

1:1

Good for texture and appearance in cold dishes, but lacks authentic crab flavor and is processed.

Cooked Shrimp

1:1

Offers similar delicate, sweet, and briny flavor with a tender texture. Less flaky.

Langostino Lobster

1:1

Very similar flavor and texture profile, often used interchangeably for a premium feel.

Artichoke Hearts (Vegan)

1:1 (chopped)

Provides a similar shredded texture for vegan alternatives, but entirely different flavor.

Buying Guide

Fresh or pasteurized lump crabmeat offers best texture and flavor. Check for sustainable sourcing.

Flavor Pairings

Lemon Butter Garlic Old Bay Seasoning Mayonnaise Avocado Asparagus

Recipes Using Crabmeat

Course Appetizers Seafood North American

3 Cheese Crab Quesadillas

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these incredible 3 Cheese Crab Quesadillas! A flavorful twist on a classic, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. Juicy crab meat blends perfectly with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses, all brought together with a zesty cocktail sauce. Get ready for a cheesy, crabby explosion in your mouth! Perfect for a family dinner or a fun appetizer.

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Occasion Preparation Tomatoes Shellfish

A Cheaper Cioppino

Craving a flavorful cioppino but watching your wallet? Food columnist Renee Enna's recipe delivers a toothsome fish stew without breaking the bank! This budget-friendly version uses affordable firm white fish (like cod or tilapia), shredded crab for richness, and hearty mushrooms for texture, replacing pricey shellfish. Enjoy the depth of flavor from low-sodium tomatoes and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this incredible, low-sodium (optional) seafood stew. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!

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Course 15 Minutes Or Less Sauces Preparation

Alfredo Sauce With Crab Meat

Indulge in this decadent Creamy Crab Alfredo, ready in just 15 minutes! This rich and luscious sauce, made with creamy half-and-half and luxurious crab meat, coats your pasta perfectly. A quick and easy weeknight meal that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.

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Course Course Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less

All Purpose Crab Stuffing

Elevate your seafood dishes with this incredible, award-winning crab stuffing! Perfect for stuffing shrimp, mussels, or flounder, this recipe took two years to perfect and is guaranteed to impress. The flavorful stuffing is generously proportioned to stuff 20 large shrimp or 2 lbs of mussels. Get ready for a burst of deliciousness in every bite!

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Appetizers Dietary Stove Top Number Of Servings

Asian Shrimp And Crab Cakes

Experience a delightful twist on classic crab cakes with this Asian-inspired recipe! Inspired by a recent East Coast culinary adventure, these succulent cakes combine sweet shrimp and tender crab meat, infused with aromatic Asian flavors. Get ready for a quick and easy meal that's bursting with fresh, vibrant taste. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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60 Minutes Or Less Shellfish Low In Something Crab

Asparagus Crab Au Gratin

A family-favorite, creamy, cheesy Asparagus Crab Au Gratin! This quick and easy recipe elevates simple ingredients into a decadent dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Get ready for tender asparagus, sweet crab meat, and a perfectly browned, bubbly topping.

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Shellfish Seafood North American Technique

Asparagus Crab Omelets

Impress your loved one (or a crowd!) with these elegant asparagus and crab omelets. Perfectly tender asparagus and sweet crab meat are nestled in fluffy eggs, topped with melted provolone for a luxurious brunch that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Optional hollandaise sauce adds an extra touch of decadence. This recipe is easily doubled for guests.

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Main Ingredient 15 Minutes Or Less Course Main Ingredient

Avocado Stuffed With Crab

Indulge in this delightful Avocado Stuffed with Crab recipe, a treasured gem from our local KCTS cookbook, "Favorite Recipes." Submitted by a Kirkland, Washington viewer, this quick and easy recipe features creamy avocado perfectly complemented by succulent crab meat. A perfect appetizer or light lunch, ready in just 15 minutes!

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Shellfish Course 15 Minutes Or Less Easy

Avocado With Spicy Crabmeat

Impress your guests with this quick and easy spicy avocado and crabmeat appetizer! A vibrant blend of creamy avocado, succulent crabmeat, and a hint of fiery spice makes this the perfect starter for any occasion. Ready in minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Easily customize the spice level to your liking!

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Occasion Low Calorie Shellfish Soups Stews

Avocado Crab Soup

Indulge in this luxuriously creamy Avocado Crab Soup! A quick and easy recipe (ready in 30 minutes!), perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter for a special dinner. The rich avocado blends seamlessly with sweet crab meat and zesty lemon for an unforgettable taste experience.

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Presentation Presentation Crab Preparation

Awesome Cheesy Hot Crab Dip

This award-winning cheesy crab dip recipe, inspired by a Southern Living magazine, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Get ready for a flavor explosion of creamy goodness, zesty lemon, spicy Tabasco, and the sweet taste of crab, all baked to bubbly perfection. Customize it with extra Old Bay, Tabasco, and scallions for an extra kick! Serve with crusty French bread for the ultimate dip experience. Prepare to be amazed!

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Time To Make Seafood Tilapia For 1 Or 2

Baked Tilapia W Fondue Sauce And Crab

Indulge in this decadent Baked Tilapia with Creamy Low-Fat Crab Fondue! This recipe boasts a rich and flavorful fondue sauce, surprisingly low in fat, that perfectly complements the flaky baked tilapia. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the crab meat create a dish that's both elegant and satisfying. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion!

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Holiday Event Taste Mood Appetizers Diabetic

Baltimore Crab Cakes

Craving the legendary crab cakes from Baltimore's Inner Harbor? This recipe recreates the magic of Phillips Seafood's famous crab cakes right in your kitchen! Experience the succulent, tender crab meat, perfectly seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection. A true taste of Maryland tradition – get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Time To Make American Main Dish Occasion

Barb's Gumbo

Dive into a bowl of Barb's legendary Gumbo! This flavorful recipe is easily customizable – make it with succulent shrimp, tender chicken, or both! Control the spice level to your liking, from subtly seasoned to fiery hot. This classic Southern comfort food is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a taste of Louisiana heaven!

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Low Saturated Fat Preparation Low Sodium Low Cholesterol

Basic Fried Rice With Variations

Master the art of fried rice with this versatile recipe! Learned from a Chinese cooking class, this fundamental fried rice provides a base for endless customization. Choose your favorite protein and veggies to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Explore exciting flavor combinations – from classic beef and peppers to unique chicken and bamboo shoot creations. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Seafood Occasion Shellfish Main Ingredient

Crab Custard Casserole

Indulge in this dreamy Crab Custard Casserole, a luxurious and lightened-up brunch masterpiece! Inspired by the Amber House Inn in Sacramento, this recipe (originally featured in Southern Living Low-Fat Recipes, January 1997) delivers a delicate crab custard baked to perfection. Flaky crabmeat mingles with creamy cheese in a fluffy egg custard, creating a flavor sensation that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a special Sunday brunch or a sophisticated weeknight dinner.

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15 Minutes Or Less American Cheese North American

Old Bay Holiday Crab Ball

This festive Old Bay Holiday Crab Ball is an irresistible appetizer that will wow your guests, even those who aren't usually fans of crab! The perfect blend of savory Old Bay seasoning and creamy, dreamy ingredients creates a flavor explosion that's both sophisticated and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for rave reviews – this recipe is a guaranteed holiday hit!

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Time To Make Appetizers Shellfish Easy

Panko Crusted Crab Cake Bites With Roasted Pepper Chive Aioli

Indulge in these delectable Panko Crusted Crab Cake Bites, bursting with succulent crab meat and a vibrant, zesty Roasted Pepper Chive Aioli. The crispy panko crust complements the tender crab perfectly, creating a flavor explosion in every bite! This recipe is perfect for appetizers, parties, or a sophisticated weeknight dinner. Make the aioli ahead of time for effortless preparation.

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