There’s something about crab that always transports me straight to the coast, even when I’m standing in my little city kitchen on a Tuesday night, hungry and tired after work. Growing up, we didn’t have seafood every week, but when we did, everything just felt a little more festive—even a simple dinner could become a small celebration. That’s why I love keeping a few go-to crab recipes for easy weeknight seafood dinners. They make dinner feel special without asking for hours at the stove, and there’s always something about those sweet, delicate flavors that makes everyone at the table pause for just a second longer.
1. Crab Cake Burgers
Why You’ll Love It:
These crab cake burgers are a game changer for quick, flavorful dinners. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and fit perfectly in a soft bun with crisp lettuce and creamy sauce. Even picky eaters who aren’t sure about crab tend to love them. Great for a casual family dinner or a spontaneous burger night that feels just a bit more elegant.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 4 brioche buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
How to Make It:
- In a bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko, egg, mayo, Dijon, green onions, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
- Shape mixture into 4 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear patties 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Toast buns lightly.
- Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, crab cakes, and lemon mayo.
Flavor Boost: Add a dash of hot sauce to the lemon mayo for some kick.
Best Pairings: Serve with crunchy coleslaw or sweet potato fries.
2. Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Crab Legs
Why You’ll Love It:
This recipe is the ultimate lazy-yet-luxurious dinner. Throw everything on one pan, pop it in the oven, and let the rich garlic butter infuse the crab. Cleanup is minimal, but it feels like such a treat. Perfect for those nights you want something special with zero fuss.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 lbs cooked crab legs (snow or king)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange crab legs on a baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over crab.
- Add lemon slices around crab.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
Meal Prep Tip: You can prep the garlic butter mix and store in the fridge for up to a week.
Serving Idea: Perfect with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
3. Simple Crab Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love It:
Weeknight fried rice gets a serious upgrade with sweet crab meat and bright veggies. This is the kind of dish you throw together with leftover rice, and suddenly, everyone thinks you did something fancy. It’s filling, fast, and works either as a main or a side.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old is best)
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
How to Make It:
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet. Add garlic, cook 1 minutes.
- Push garlic aside, add eggs, scramble.
- Add peas, carrots, and rice. Toss together.
- Drizzle in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Gently fold in crab and green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and sesame seeds.
Swap This With That: Use canned crab for a budget-friendly version.
Personal Note: Fried rice was my “clear out the fridge” meal growing up—throwing in crab just makes it extra special.
4. Spicy Crab Pasta
Why You’ll Love It:
This is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed: crab tossed in silky, spicy tomato sauce with twirly noodles. The kick from red pepper flakes keeps things interesting, and it all comes together fast enough for a midweek pasta night.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and sauté shallot and garlic.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, tomatoes, and simmer 10 minutes.
- Fold in crab, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Warm through.
- Toss pasta with sauce.
Flavor Boost: Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and extra lemon zest.
Best Pairings: A bright arugula salad or garlic bread.
5. Easy Crab & Corn Chowder
Why You’ll Love It:
This creamy chowder is both hearty and speedy—a soul-warming weeknight dinner. It’s loaded with sweet corn, chunks of potato, and plenty of crab. Every bite is rich and comforting, perfect for a chilly evening.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- In a soup pot, melt butter and sauté onion until soft.
- Add potatoes, corn, smoked paprika, chicken broth. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in half-and-half and crab. Heat gently but do not boil.
- Season and top with chopped chives.
Meal Prep Tip: Chowder reheats well for lunch the next day.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t boil after adding half-and-half or it may curdle.
6. Crab & Avocado Salad Bowls
Why You’ll Love It:
Cool, fresh, and packed with protein, these salad bowls are just right when you want something light but filling. The creamy avocado pairs so well with sweet crab, and you can pull it together in minutes.
Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 oz lump crab meat
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Everything bagel seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Arrange greens in bowls.
- Top with crab, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Serving Idea: Serve with warm baguette slices for a more substantial meal.
Swap This With That: Substitute cooked shrimp for crab if desired.
7. Mini Open-Face Crab Melt Sandwiches
Why You’ll Love It:
These melty, cheesy open-face sandwiches are perfect for busy nights, after-school snacks, or cozy lunches. They come together fast and the topping can be made ahead. The under-the-broiler finish is deeply satisfying.
Serving size: Serves 3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz crab meat
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 6 slices French baguette, 1/2 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives, for garnish
How to Make It:
- Mix crab, mayo, Dijon, half the cheese, green onion, salt, and pepper.
- Butter the baguette slices and toast lightly under broiler.
- Spread crab mixture on bread, top with remaining cheese.
- Broil just until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with chives.
Meal Prep Tip: The crab topping keeps in the fridge for 24 hours.
Flavor Boost: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the crab mixture.
8. Quick Crab Quesadillas
Why You’ll Love It:
Quesadillas are always a win, but with sweet crab and melting cheese, they’re extra fun. These take minimal prep but always feel like a little treat, even as a late-night snack or easy dinner.
Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 oz crab meat
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Pinch of cayenne
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or oil, for pan
How to Make It:
- Mix crab, cheese, mayo, cilantro, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mixture over one tortilla, top with second tortilla.
- Cook in buttered skillet until both sides are golden and cheese is melted.
- Slice into wedges and serve with salsa.
Flavor Boost: Add finely diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Serving Idea: Great with guacamole and a margarita.
9. Crab-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Why You’ll Love It:
Filled with crab, rice, and veggies, these stuffed peppers are meal-in-one comfort food and excellent for make-ahead dinners. They bake up colorful and satisfying, and leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Serving size: Serves 3
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 3 large bell peppers, halved and cored
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 8 oz crab meat
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine rice, crab, celery, onion, mayo, half the cheese, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff mixture into pepper halves.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake 30 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is bubbly.
Meal Prep Tip: Prep peppers and stuffing ahead, then fill and bake later.
Serving Idea: Serve with a side green salad.
10. Crab & Spinach Frittata
Why You’ll Love It:
Frittatas are weeknight heroes—just mix, pour, and bake. Toss in some crab and tender spinach, and breakfast-for-dinner suddenly feels restaurant-worthy. Leftovers make an easy breakfast.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crab meat
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in spinach, crab, green onions, and feta.
- Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet, pour in mixture.
- Cook undisturbed 4 minutes on stovetop, then transfer to oven.
- Bake 12-14 minutes until set.
Personal Note: Frittata was my mom’s favorite “clean out the fridge” solution.
Swap This With That: Try goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy twist.
11. Speedy Crab Alfredo
Why You’ll Love It:
Super creamy, comforting pasta that you can make in under 30 minutes. Adding crab turns this classic alfredo into something dinner-party worthy without the effort.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
How to Make It:
- Cook fettuccine until al dente.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cream, simmer 2 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
- Fold in crab, warm through.
- Toss with pasta and parsley.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
Best Pairings: A garlicky roasted broccoli or mixed greens salad.
12. No-Cook Crab Summer Rolls
Why You’ll Love It:
Cold, fresh, and fast—these summer rolls are packed with crab, crunchy veggies, and herbs. You can prep everything ahead and just roll up whenever hunger hits. Dipping sauce makes it a hands-on, fun meal.
Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 18 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 oz crab meat
- 6 rice paper wrappers
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup peanut dipping sauce
How to Make It:
- Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water until pliable.
- Lay on damp towel, fill center with crab, veggies, and herbs.
- Roll up tightly; repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Serve with dipping sauce.
Meal Prep Tip: Prep veggies and herbs ahead; assemble rolls just before serving.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Mix in shredded imitation crab to stretch the protein.
13. Chilled Crab & Mango Noodle Salad
Why You’ll Love It:
Light, zesty, and a little bit sweet—this salad is as refreshing as a vacation. The combo of chilled noodles, juicy mango, and crab is a great way to beat dinnertime boredom, especially during warm weather.
Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 16 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz thin rice noodles
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons sesame dressing
- 1 lime, cut in wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Cook noodles per package, rinse in cold water and drain.
- In a bowl, toss noodles with crab, mango, bell pepper, cilantro, and dressing.
- Season lightly. Serve with lime wedges.
Flavor Boost: Add sliced chili for heat.
Personal Note: This has been my summer lunch obsession—a break from heavy food.
14. Classic Hot Crab Dip
Why You’ll Love It:
Everyone loves this creamy, cheesy dip loaded with crab—the perfect last-minute appetizer for weeknight gatherings or game night. It’s great with chips or sliced baguette and always disappears quickly.
Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 oz crab meat
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix crab, cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, half the shredded cheese, Old Bay, lemon juice, and chives.
- Spread into a small baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with chives before serving.
Serving Idea: Best with crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overbake, as the dip can dry out—take out when bubbling at the edges.
15. Crab Scampi with Zoodles
Why You’ll Love It:
A lighter take on scampi, with quick-sautéed crab, garlic, and lemon tossed over spiralized zucchini. This dinner is fast, healthful, and full of bright flavor—a real fresh start for tired weeknights.
Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 6 oz crab meat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Melt butter in a skillet, sauté garlic 1 minutes.
- Add zoodles, toss 1-2 minutes until just tender.
- Add crab, lemon juice, zest, and toss until warm.
- Finish with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Swap This With That: Use cooked angel hair pasta for a more filling meal.
Best Pairings: Serve with a big tomato salad or steamed asparagus.
FAQ
Can I use canned or imitation crab in these recipes?
Absolutely. While fresh lump crab is most flavorful, canned and imitation crab can be substituted easily—just drain well and adjust seasoning if needed, as they can be a bit saltier.
How do I store leftover crab dishes safely?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and aim to enjoy within two days, since crab is a delicate protein. For cold salads or crab dips, always keep them chilled until serving.
What’s the easiest way to pick crab meat for recipes?
If you’re cooking fresh crab, let it cool a bit, then use your hands or a small fork to extract the meat. Look out for shell fragments before using. However, most weeknight cooks will find pre-picked crab in the refrigerated section or even the freezer, which saves tons of time.
Can I freeze cooked crab dishes?
Some crab dishes (like chowders and pasta) can be frozen, but the texture of crab may change a bit. Dishes with lots of dairy or mayonnaise aren’t ideal for freezing, but cooked crab in sauces usually holds up well if used within a month.
Conclusion
Crab always feels like a little weeknight luxury—special, but not out of reach. With these 12+ crab recipes for easy weeknight seafood dinners, you’ve got enough variety to keep things exciting whether you want something comforting, refreshing, or kid-friendly. Don’t be shy about experimenting—try a new twist on an old favorite, or sub in what you have on hand. Most of all, enjoy the little moments these dinners bring, where a hint of the coast or childhood family stories can be found right at your own table. Give yourself permission to make things easy and delicious—real seafood joy without the stress, any night of the week.
