Low in fat and high in protein, Canned Crab Meat is a convenient and affordable alternative to real crab meat and lobster. It’s easy to work with and cooks quickly, so you can satisfy your seafood craving even faster. In this post, you’ll find the most popular canned crab brands and the best canned crabmeat recipes.
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Is Canned Crab Meat Already Cooked?
Yes, canned crab meat is fully cooked, making it a convenient way to enjoy this seafood. Popular brands include Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea.
Can You Eat Crab Meat Out of Can Directly?
Yes, canned crab meat can be enjoyed directly out of the can. Use it as a topper on your favorite crackers, or on a bed of fresh greens for a delicious salad!
How is Canned Crab Meat Made?
Once the crabs have been caught, they are cooked and the meat is picked from the shell. The meat is then sealed into airtight cans, heated to 185℉, and then quickly cooled.
Is Canned Crab Real Crab Meat?
When selecting canned crab meat, it’s important to carefully read the label and the ingredients to ensure that it’s 100% crab meat. There is also imitation crab meat which isn’t crab at all. It can be made of fish paste, and different types of fish including pollock, mackerel, and cod.
Is Canned Crab Meat Good?
Canned crab meat is both delicious and healthy. Crab is very low in carbs, and is an excellent source of protein and omega 3.
Types of Canned Crab Meat
Chunk Crab Meat
This type of crab meat is actually smaller pieces of lump crabmeat, and would be suitable for making crab cakes.
Canned Lump Crab Meat
The meat is taken from the back area of the crab and the pieces are larger and intact. It’s a good choice in dishes where larger pieces of crab are visible.
Canned Blue Crab Meat
Considered by many to be the best, blue crab meat is very sweet. Because of its prized flavor it tends to be more expensive.
Canned Crab Claw Meat
Sourced from the crab’s claw, the meat is stronger in flavor but isn’t as sweet as other types of crab. It is also typically darker in color, and has more of a shredded texture. It is cheaper than other varieties of crab meat.
How to Eat Canned Crab Meat?
Crab meat is a tasty protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Crabmeat is delicious in sushi rolls, pasta dishes, or combined with mayonnaise and chopped onions for a refreshing salad. Crabs are also an essential ingredient in a seafood boil or seafood gumbo, along with corn, sausage and other shellfish.
Best Canned Crab Meat Brands
1. Phillips Crab Lump
Consisting of pieces of jumbo lump and special crab meat, use this option in casseroles, salads, dips, and crab cakes.
2. Clover Leaf Chunk Crabmeat
This wild caught crab features chunks of 100% white lump crab. Use it in crab cakes, dips, salads, and wraps.
3. Crown Prince Crab Meat
Wild-caught in Southeast Asia, Crown Prince offers a variety of crab meats that are perfect to use in soups, salads, pastas, and crab cakes.
4. Bumble Bee Crabmeat
Perfect for dips and appetizers, this option features pieces of meat taken from the body of the crab.
5. Private Selection Wild Caught Crab Meat
Featuring large succulent pieces of white muscle meat, this is an excellent choice for delicious crab cakes.
6. Phillips Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
Considered to be of premium quality and prized for its taste, color, and impressive size, this crab meat is ideal for fancy crab cocktails.
7. Chicken of the Sea Crab Meat
Known for their commitment to sustainably sourced seafood, this crab meat from Chicken of the Sea has a great sweet flavor and is an excellent source of protein and omega 3.
Does Canned Crab Need to Be Refrigerated?
The answer depends on the product you purchased. If you bought it off the shelf at the grocery store, it should be shelf-stable and can be stored in your cupboard or pantry. Be sure to check the label for the best-before date. If the can of crab was bought from a refrigerated section in the grocery store, it would likely need to be refrigerated at home as well. Again, check the label for proper storage instructions.
Do You Need to Rinse the Canned Crabmeat?
There’s no need to rinse canned crab, and doing so could affect the flavor! Depending on the recipe you’re making, you may need to drain – but not rinse – canned crab.
How Long Does Canned Crab Meat Last?
If stored properly, a can of unopened crab meat can last for 3 to 5 years. As with all canned goods, it’s best to check the best-before date printed on the can or on the label. If the can is dented or rusty, it’s best to toss it.
Recipes with Canned Crab Meat
- Jaiba Crab Ceviche: This fresh and flavorful ceviche makes a tasty snack when paired with tostadas. It’s a light and refreshing salad that’s best served cold.
- Cheesy Hot Crab Dip: Irresistibly thick and creamy, this delicious dip is loaded with seafood flavor. Enjoy it with crackers or toast.
- Spicy Crab Roll: This popular sushi roll has a creamy texture and a fiery kick. Made with imitation crab meat, they only take about 15 minutes to make after the sushi rice is ready.
- Seafood Gumbo: Hearty and flavorful, this southern stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it on a bed of rice for the ultimate comfort food.
- Crab Stuffed Salmon: Jazz up your weeknight with this tasty dish. It’s a seafood lover’s paradise and would be perfect with a side of roasted potato wedges and asparagus.
- Maryland Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce: These crab cakes make a delicious appetizer or as a different protein option for weeknight meals. Enjoy them with homemade classic tartar sauce and you’re good to go!
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Best Canned Crab Meat Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb canned crab meat
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 medium cucumber diced
- 1/2 medium avocado diced
Instructions
- Drain the crab meat.
- Add the tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lemon juice to a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add the crab meat, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until combined.
- Cover with a piece of plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator.
- Let it rest for 30-60 minutes.
- Add diced cucumber and avocado right before serving. Mix gently, serve and enjoy!
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