CRAB MEAT COCKTAIL

CRAB MEAT COCKTAIL RECIPE

A chilled crab meat cocktail is a timeless starter—light, refreshing, and beautifully seasoned. This expanded version includes a flavorful homemade cocktail sauce, preparation tips, serving ideas, and variations.

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✨ Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Crab Cocktail:

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells

• 1 small celery stalk, finely minced

• 2 tbsp red onion or shallot, finely minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for flavor richness)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• A few dashes hot sauce (optional, to taste)

For the Classic Cocktail Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup

• 3–4 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust heat level)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco)

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• ½ tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika

• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh dill or extra parsley

• Chopped chives

• Paprika dusting

• Baby lettuce, shredded

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✨ Instructions

1. Prepare the Cocktail Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

   • ketchup

   • horseradish

   • Worcestershire

   • hot sauce

   • lemon juice

   • paprika

   • a pinch of salt

2. Adjust flavor:

   • More horseradish for heat

   • More lemon for brightness

   • More ketchup for sweetness

3. Chill the sauce for at least 20 minutes to deepen the flavors.

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2. Prepare the Crab Mixture

1. Carefully pick through the crab to remove any remaining shells or cartilage.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine:

   • crab meat

   • minced celery

   • red onion/shallot

   • parsley

   • lemon zest

3. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil (or melted butter).

4. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce.

5. Toss gently to avoid breaking the delicate crab lumps.

6. Chill for 15–20 minutes.

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3. Assemble the Crab Cocktails

1. Use chilled cocktail glasses, parfait glasses, or small serving bowls.

2. Add a spoonful of cocktail sauce at the base (optional).

3. Fill each glass with the chilled crab mixture.

4. Top with an extra spoonful of cocktail sauce.

5. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a light sprinkle of paprika.

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✨ Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately while well-chilled.

• Pair with:

  • buttered toast points

  • crackers

  • thinly sliced baguette

  • crisp lettuce cups

Perfect for:

• holiday dinners

• seafood nights

• brunch buffets

• cocktail parties

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✨ Variations

➤ West Coast Style

• Add diced avocado

• Mix in lime juice instead of lemon

• Add a spoon of chipotle mayo

➤ Mediterranean Style

• Add diced cucumber, tomatoes, olives

• Dress with olive oil, oregano, and lemon

➤ Asian-Inspired

• Mix crab with sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and green onion

• Serve with a spicy chili-lime dipping sauce

➤ Spicy Cajun Cocktail

• Add Cajun seasoning, extra hot sauce, and chopped sweet peppers

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✨ Chef Tips

• Use the best crab available—lump or jumbo lump gives the most luxurious texture.

• Keep everything cold for maximum freshness and flavor.

• Don’t overmix or the crab will shred.

• Make ahead: You can mix the sauce and prep ingredients a day in advance; combine with crab just before serving.

OTHER RECIPES

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
• 1 cup crab meat
• 2 scallions or chives, chopped

COCKTAIL INSTRUCTIONS

Beat one cup of mayonnaise into one cup of whipped cream, add half a cup of tomato ketchup. 

Add chopped scallions or chives. 

Mix with a large cup of crab meat or imitation crab meat.
Chill on ice and serve in cocktail glasses....a great cocktail recipe....

CRAB MEAT COCKTAIL Video: