20+ of the best crab recipes

Traditionally, Singapore chilli crab is made with whole or jointed crabs still in their shells, but our cheat’s version uses crab meat, plus plump king prawns, in a rich tomato and chilli sauce that (despite the name) is more sweet than hot.

Recipe: Singapore Chilli Crab and Prawns

We’ve used a mixture of fresh brown and white crab meat for a stronger flavour, but you can use all white if you prefer.

Recipe: Crunchy Crab Cakes with Pickled Veg

We love using a mix of brown and white crab meat in these for flavour, but you can use just the white for a more delicate finish.

Recipe: Clementine and Crab Tartlets

Tinned crab is great here, but you could splash out and use fresh white crab meat if available, or use a mixture of white and brown crab meat for a more intense seafood taste. If you want to make this alcohol-free, simply replace the wine with an equal amount of extra fish stock.

Recipe: Crab Chowder Pasta Bake

A seafood twist on a simple Italian classic. Tinned crab meat also works well in this recipe and is cheaper than fresh crab, just be sure to drain well before using.

Recipe: Crab Cacio e Pepe

This ravioli can be made and frozen in advance – just use fresh crabmeat that hasn’t previously been frozen.

Recipe: Crab ravioli with lemon sage butter

We’ve used a mix of white and brown meat to maximise the flavour of this savoury dish.

Recipe: Crab and asparagus clafoutis

This delicious crab salad is a great seasonal starter.

Recipe: Simple crab salad

Luxurious white crab meat can be expensive so if you prefer, make a mixture substituting half the crab with the same weight of small cooked cold water prawns.

Recipe: Classic crab sandwiches

We’ve used tinned crab to save some pennies, but use fresh white crab meat instead, if you prefer.

Recipe: Crab quiche

Have a bag of these delectable morsels tucked away in the freeze and you'll have a sophisticated nibble ready in a jiffy.

Recipe: Thai crab cakes

This simple crab mixture takes seconds to make - It also works well as a decadent filling for a jacket potato

Recipe: Thai Crab Mayo Croustades

We've used a mixture of white and brown crab meat for flavour, but you can use just white meat if you prefer

Recipe: Crab brioche

A delicious and speedy twist on classic lasagne.

Recipe: Crab and tomato open lasagne

We've used a mixture of brown and white crabmeat for flavour, but use all white meat, if you prefer. To make a vegetarian version, replace crabmeat with 150g crumbled goat's cheese, and the fish stock with vegetable stock.

Recipe: Crab pasta shells

Start the meal the perfect way with these tempting morsels.

Recipe: Spicy crab squares

These crab cakes can be assembled up to 3hr in advance. Once the cakes are made, cover and chill, then bring up to room temperature before cooking.

Recipe: Crispy Crab Cakes

Best served warm, these delicate tartlets come together quickly

Recipe: Crab and Ricotta Tartlets

These crab balls are a fantastic starter to any special meal

Recipe: Crispy Crab Balls

If you don’t have tinned crab, any tinned fish or fresh or frozen seafood would work just as well.

Recipe: Chilli crab noodles