From Red Crabs to Red Sauce: Unique and Delicious Red Crab Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet

by Oleg Nikitenko September 25, 2024

Creative Red Crab Recipes You Haven’t Tried Yet

Red crabs are a luxurious and versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a wide variety of dishes. Whether you're working with snow crab, king crab, or Dungeness crab, there’s no limit to the creative ways you can cook and serve these delicious shellfish. While traditional preparations like crab boils and grilled crab legs are always popular, you can also pair the sweet, succulent flavor of red crabs with bold red sauces to create something truly special.

In this article, we’ll explore a range of creative red crab recipes you might not have tried yet, from rich, comforting pasta dishes to bold, spicy seafood stews. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to impress your guests, these recipes will take your crab cooking skills to the next level.

Choosing the Right Crab for Your Recipe

Before diving into the recipes, it's important to choose the right type of crab for each dish. Each variety of crab brings its own unique flavor and texture to the table, making them ideal for different preparations.

1. Red King Crab: The Luxury Option

Known for its large size and sweet, delicate meat, red king crab is often considered the king of all crabs. Red king crab is perfect for special occasions and dishes where you want the crab to be the star of the show. Its rich flavor pairs beautifully with both bold sauces and simple preparations.

You can purchase premium golden king crab from Global Seafoods for the highest quality crab.

2. Snow Crab: The Delicate Favorite

Snow crab has a slightly sweeter flavor and a more delicate texture than king crab, making it ideal for lighter dishes like salads or pasta. Its smaller size and thinner shells make it easy to work with, and its flavor pairs well with citrus and butter-based sauces.

For fresh snow crab legs that are sustainably sourced, check out Global Seafoods .

3. Dungeness Crab: The All-Around Favorite

Dungeness crab is known for its tender, slightly sweet meat and is incredibly versatile. It's perfect for everything from crab cakes to rich pasta sauces. Its meat has a natural sweetness that complements both creamy and acidic sauces.

Order high-quality Dungeness crab from Global Seafoods to enhance your seafood dishes.

Recipe 1: Red Crab Pasta in Tomato Basil Cream Sauce

This rich, comforting pasta dish combines the tender meat of snow crab with a creamy tomato-basil sauce. The sauce’s sweetness balances the delicate crab meat perfectly, making it a gourmet yet easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb snow crab legs
  • 1 lb linguine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil the snow crab legs until cooked through, then remove the meat from the shells.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and basil, and let the sauce thicken for 5 minutes.
  4. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
  5. Toss the pasta with the tomato basil cream sauce, and fold in the crab meat. Top with Parmesan and serve hot.

Pro Tip: For a citrusy twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Recipe 2: Spicy King Crab Fra Diavolo

Fra Diavolo is a bold, spicy tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with the rich, succulent meat of king crab. This dish adds an exciting twist to traditional crab pasta, combining heat and sweet seafood flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs golden king crab
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you like extra spice)
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb spaghetti

Instructions:

  1. Boil the king crab legs until fully cooked, then remove the meat from the shells.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
  3. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
  5. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce and gently fold in the crab meat. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Chef’s Tip: For an even richer flavor, drizzle a little olive oil over the dish before serving.

Recipe 3: Dungeness Crab Cioppino

Cioppino is a hearty seafood stew that originated in San Francisco, combining a variety of shellfish in a flavorful tomato broth. Dungeness crab is often the star of this dish, offering a delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the bold broth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Dungeness crab meat
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lb clams
  • 1/2 lb mussels
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
  2. Pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced by half. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Add the clams, mussels, and shrimp to the pot, cover, and cook until the shellfish open (about 5 minutes). Discard any that don’t open.
  4. Stir in the Dungeness crab meat and cook until heated through.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Recipe 4: Crab-Stuffed Ravioli in Vodka Sauce

Crab-stuffed ravioli is a decadent dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Pairing these delicate pillows of crab with a creamy vodka sauce takes this dish to gourmet levels.

Ingredients for the Ravioli:

  • 1 lb crab meat
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 package fresh wonton wrappers
  • 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the ravioli)

Ingredients for the Vodka Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine the crab meat , ricotta, and Parmesan in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Lay out the wonton wrappers and place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each. Brush the edges with the beaten egg and fold over to seal the ravioli.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli for 2-3 minutes, or until they float.
  4. For the vodka sauce, sauté garlic in olive oil, add the crushed tomatoes, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in vodka and cook for another 5 minutes, then add the heavy cream.
  5. Toss the ravioli in the vodka sauce and serve with fresh basil.

Where to Buy High-Quality Crab for Your Recipes

For the best results, you’ll want to use the freshest, highest-quality crab available. Global Seafoods offers a wide selection of premium crab products, including:

These products are sustainably sourced and guaranteed fresh, ensuring that your dishes taste as good as those made by professional chefs.

For more seafood recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials, visit the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel .

Conclusion: Elevate Your Cooking with Creative Red Crab Recipes

Red crabs are a versatile and luxurious ingredient that can elevate any meal. By trying these creative red crab recipes, you’ll discover new ways to enjoy this delicious seafood, from classic pasta dishes to bold, spicy stews. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these dishes are sure to impress.

Order the finest red crab products from Global Seafoods and start creating gourmet meals at home today!

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