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.
✨ Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Crab Cocktail:
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1 lb (450 g) fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells
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1 small celery stalk, finely minced
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2 tbsp red onion or shallot, finely minced
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1 tsp lemon zest
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for flavor richness)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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A few dashes hot sauce (optional, to taste)
For the Classic Cocktail Sauce:
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1 cup ketchup
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3–4 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust heat level)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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½ tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
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Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes:
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Lemon wedges
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Fresh dill or extra parsley
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Chopped chives
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Paprika dusting
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Baby lettuce, shredded
✨ Instructions
1. Prepare the Cocktail Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together:
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ketchup
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horseradish
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Worcestershire
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hot sauce
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lemon juice
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paprika
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a pinch of salt
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Adjust flavor:
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More horseradish for heat
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More lemon for brightness
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More ketchup for sweetness
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Chill the sauce for at least 20 minutes to deepen the flavors.
2. Prepare the Crab Mixture
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Carefully pick through the crab to remove any remaining shells or cartilage.
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In a mixing bowl, combine:
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crab meat
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minced celery
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red onion/shallot
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parsley
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lemon zest
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Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil (or melted butter).
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Season lightly with salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce.
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Toss gently to avoid breaking the delicate crab lumps.
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Chill for 15–20 minutes.
3. Assemble the Crab Cocktails
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Use chilled cocktail glasses, parfait glasses, or small serving bowls.
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Add a spoonful of cocktail sauce at the base (optional).
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Fill each glass with the chilled crab mixture.
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Top with an extra spoonful of cocktail sauce.
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Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a light sprinkle of paprika.
✨ Serving Suggestions
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Serve immediately while well-chilled.
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Pair with:
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buttered toast points
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crackers
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thinly sliced baguette
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crisp lettuce cups
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Perfect for:
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holiday dinners
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seafood nights
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brunch buffets
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cocktail parties
✨ Variations
➤ West Coast Style
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Add diced avocado
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Mix in lime juice instead of lemon
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Add a spoon of chipotle mayo
➤ Mediterranean Style
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Add diced cucumber, tomatoes, olives
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Dress with olive oil, oregano, and lemon
➤ Asian-Inspired
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Mix crab with sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and green onion
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Serve with a spicy chili-lime dipping sauce
➤ Spicy Cajun Cocktail
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Add Cajun seasoning, extra hot sauce, and chopped sweet peppers
✨ Chef Tips
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Use the best crab available—lump or jumbo lump gives the most luxurious texture.
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Keep everything cold for maximum freshness and flavor.
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Don’t overmix or the crab will shred.
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Make ahead: You can mix the sauce and prep ingredients a day in advance; combine with crab just before serving.
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 cup crab meat
- 2 scallions or chives, chopped
COCKTAIL INSTRUCTIONS
Chill on ice and serve in cocktail glasses....a great cocktail recipe....








