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Cooked Blue Crab
Seafood
Nutri-ScoreA

Cooked Blue Crab

Callinectes sapidus

Clinical Encyclopedia

Cooked blue crab is a highly nutritious seafood option, rich in protein and essential minerals. It is known for its sweet, delicate flavor and is often enjoyed in various culinary dishes.

Also known as:
Chesapeake crab (USA)Maryland crab (USA)
Scientific NameCallinectes sapidus
Region of OriginUnited States

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories97 kcal
Water
80%
Fiber0g
Total22.5g
Protein
20.5g(91%)
Fats
1.5g(7%)
Carbohydrates
0.5g(2%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C7 mg (8%)
Vitamin B129.8 µg (408%)
Vitamin A80 IU (2%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.2 mg (12%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin E: 0.2 mgFolate: 2 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Selenium38 µg (69%)
Zinc1.5 mg (14%)
Copper0.2 mg (10%)
Iron0.5 mg (3%)
Phosphorus200 mg (20%)
Potassium300 mg (6%)
Magnesium30 mg (8%)
Calcium50 mg (5%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

High in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Shellfish allergies are common; individuals with such allergies should avoid consumption.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best enjoyed steamed or boiled, often served with butter or in seafood dishes.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose crabs that are alive and active; they should feel heavy for their size and have a strong, fresh smell.

How to Store

Store live crabs in a cool, moist environment and cooked crabs in the refrigerator, consuming within a few days.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
Anti-inflammatoryRich in antioxidants
Main Applications
Culinary uses in seafood dishes
Nutritional supplementation
Bioactive Compounds
Astaxanthin

A powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

How to Consume
Fresh, Steamed, Boiled, Crab Cakes
Did you know?

"Blue crabs can regenerate lost limbs, making them fascinating creatures in marine biology."

Myths vs Realities

MythBlue crab is not a good source of protein.
RealityIn fact, blue crab is an excellent source of high-quality protein.
MythAll crabs are the same nutritionally.
RealityDifferent crab species have varying nutritional profiles; blue crab is particularly rich in vitamins and minerals.
MythYou can eat blue crab raw.
RealityBlue crab should always be cooked before consumption to avoid foodborne illness.

Healthy Recipes

Blue Crab Avocado Salad

A refreshing salad combining the sweetness of blue crab with creamy avocado and zesty lime dressing, perfect for a light meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked blue crab meat, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  2. 2. Drizzle with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. 3. Gently toss the ingredients together and serve chilled.

Spicy Blue Crab Quinoa Bowl

A nutritious quinoa bowl featuring spicy blue crab, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini dressing for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the bell peppers and zucchini with olive oil, chili powder, and salt, then roast for 20 minutes.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and blue crab meat.
  3. 3. Top with roasted vegetables and drizzle with tahini and lemon juice before serving.

Blue Crab & Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of blue crab, spinach, and brown rice, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix the blue crab, spinach, brown rice, feta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Blue Crab Zucchini Noodles

A low-carb alternative to pasta, featuring zucchini noodles tossed with blue crab and a light garlic sauce.

Ingredients
  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add the spiralized zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. 3. Stir in the blue crab meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Blue Crab Tacos with Mango Salsa

Delicious tacos filled with blue crab and topped with a refreshing mango salsa for a tropical twist.

Ingredients
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt to make the salsa.
  2. 2. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. 3. Fill each tortilla with blue crab meat and top with mango salsa before serving.

Blue Crab and Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

A healthy stir-fry featuring blue crab and cauliflower rice, packed with vegetables and flavor.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until tender.
  2. 2. Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  3. 3. Add the blue crab meat, soy sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes before serving.

Blue Crab Omelette with Spinach and Feta

A protein-packed omelette filled with blue crab, fresh spinach, and feta cheese, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and cook until edges start to set.
  3. 3. Add blue crab, spinach, and feta to one half of the omelette. Fold the other half over and cook until fully set. Serve warm.

Blue Crab and Sweet Potato Cakes

Crispy cakes made with blue crab and sweet potatoes, served with a tangy yogurt sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix the blue crab, mashed sweet potatoes, breadcrumbs, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into small cakes and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve with a lemony yogurt sauce made by mixing Greek yogurt and lemon juice.

Blue Crab and Asparagus Salad

A light and nutritious salad featuring tender asparagus and succulent blue crab, drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups asparagus, trimmed and blanched
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the blanched asparagus, blue crab meat, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.

Blue Crab and Cucumber Bites

Refreshing cucumber slices topped with blue crab and a dollop of yogurt, perfect as a healthy appetizer.

Ingredients
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup cooked blue crab meat
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix the blue crab meat with Greek yogurt, dill, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Top each cucumber slice with a spoonful of the blue crab mixture.
  3. 3. Serve immediately as a light and refreshing appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is blue crab healthy?

Yes, blue crab is low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy seafood choice.

How should I cook blue crab?

Blue crab can be steamed, boiled, or used in various recipes like crab cakes.

What is the best way to eat blue crab?

The best way to eat blue crab is to crack open the shell and enjoy the meat with melted butter.

Can I eat blue crab if I'm allergic to shellfish?

No, individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid blue crab.

How much protein is in blue crab?

Cooked blue crab contains about 20.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Where can I buy fresh blue crab?

Fresh blue crab can be found at seafood markets or grocery stores with a seafood section.

What is the season for blue crab?

Blue crab season varies by region, but it typically peaks in late summer to early fall.

How do I store cooked blue crab?

Cooked blue crab should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 days for best quality.