Simple Crab Salad Recipe With Old Bay Seasoning

Today, I am remaking a lobster salad into a simple crab salad recipe with some of that Old Bay seasoning. Crabs weren’t a thing in Massachusetts. It was lobster, lobster, and more lobster with an occasional side of lobster. But when I moved to Pennsylvania, it’s all about the crabs and Old Bay seasoning. So this crab salad sandwich was made to remind me of home, but with crab instead of lobster. :) I made it with mayonnaise, lump crab meat, and a good healthy dose of Old Bay.

What I Love About This Simple Crab Salad Recipe With Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

This is the real deal! Because we’re right next to Maryland, lump crab meat in the can is fairly inexpensive. I can get it for like $10 (as opposed to everywhere else at $40ish) at Karn’s on sale.

Maybe I’m spoiled, but I find imitation crab to not even come close in taste and texture. Also, we love our Old Bay. “More is always better” is the Old Bay mantra. I gave a generous amount of the seasoning in this crab salad recipe, but feel free to cut it back. Old Bay is like kimchi … at first, you may not like it. But then, all of a sudden, you’re addicted. Go into any crab shack in Maryland, and they have piles of the stuff on their crabs. With more on the side.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Can opener

Types of Crab Meat for Crab Salad

1. Fresh Crab Meat: For the freshest option, consider cooking and peeling crabs yourself. Maryland crabs are quite the experience, a full day of crackin’ them open with a side of lemon, melted butter, hush puppies, and beer. You want the body meat.
2. Packaged/Canned Crab Meat: When shopping for packaged crab meat, you’ll find two main types: claw crab meat and lump crab meat. Lump crab meat is generally preferred for its superior flavor and texture in crab salads.
3. Imitation Crab (Surimi): Imitation crab is made from surimi, a paste usually created from wild Alaskan pollock that has been deboned, washed, and minced. While not actual crab meat, its texture mimics crab meat flakes, and it has a sweeter flavor, adding a unique and delicious twist to crab salads. I dislike Surimi, and I personally do not think it tastes anything like real crab meat. But it’s an option for those who cannot get affordable real crab meat.

FAQs

1. What is the ideal type of crabmeat for this salad? The best choice is fresh lump crabmeat due to its sweet and subtly briny flavor, offering an authentic crab salad experience. For those on a budget, lump crabmeat or canned crabmeat are acceptable alternatives, though there may be slight differences in taste and texture.
2. What drinks pair well with this crab salad? For an ideal pairing, beer is the best choice. We so love beer and crabs together. It’s like peanut butter and jelly! Non-alcoholic options like lemonade or lemon-infused iced tea also work beautifully.
3. How can I enhance the flavor of the crab salad? To boost the salad’s flavor without overshadowing the crab, try adding fresh herbs such as dill or parsley. A dash of hot sauce can also introduce a subtle kick.
4. Can you explain what Imitation Crab is? Imitation crab, or krab meat, is a fish-based product primarily made from Alaskan pollock and various additives. It’s crafted to resemble the taste and texture of real crab meat, offering a more cost-effective alternative.
5. Is Neptune Salad the same as Crab Salad? Neptune Salad typically includes a mix of seafood, including crab, whereas Crab Salad specifically focuses on crab or imitation crab as its main component, making it distinct in its simplicity and flavor profile.
6. Are there dairy-free options available for this crab salad? Yes, for a dairy-free version, opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives or use substitutes like mashed avocado or vegan mayo for the dressing.
7. What’s the best way to store leftover crab salad? Keep any leftover crab salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It maintains its best quality and freshness when consumed within the first day or two.
8. Can I prepare this crab salad in advance? Absolutely, preparing the crab salad ahead of time is feasible. Just refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This not only allows the flavors to blend but also keeps the salad fresh, especially if served within a day or two.
9. What variations can I try with this crab salad? Experiment with additional ingredients like chives, green onions, black olives, bell peppers, or shredded cheese for added flavor. For a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt or sour cream, and feel free to include baby shrimp or cooked shrimp for variety.
10. How should I serve this crab salad? This versatile crab salad can be served in numerous ways: on a toasted hoagie roll, as a dip with crackers, in lettuce wraps, on tomato slices, or mixed with pasta for a delightful seafood pasta salad. Alternatively, enjoy it in a classic crab roll using a toasted, buttered hot dog bun, on Bibb lettuce, atop a halved avocado, on crostini, or with thin apple or cucumber slices. Mixing it with cream cheese and sour cream makes for a delicious crab dip.
11. Is it possible to freeze this crab salad? Freezing mayonnaise-based salads like this crab salad is not recommended. Freezing can cause the dressing to separate and it may not return to its original consistency upon thawing.

Photo Steps

The Final: Simple Crab Salad Recipe With Old Bay Seasoning Recipe