Delving Into The Diverse World of Crab Menus

Crab is a beloved seafood that is enjoyed around the world. From soft shell to king crab, there are many delicious varieties of crab to savor. When dining out and craving crab, the type of restaurant you visit will determine the crab offerings on the menu. Seafood restaurants, especially cajun and asian establishments, tend to have the most extensive crab menus. Let’s explore the wonderful world of crab menus so you can find the perfect crab dish next time you dine out.

Cajun Crab Menus

Cajun cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors. Places like The Boiling Crab have menus packed with diverse crab offerings You’ll find staples like snow crab legs, which are mild in flavor with tender meat Dungeness crab also frequently appears, prized for its sweetness. The Boiling Crab serves it steamed or as part of a cioppino.

King crab legs are a premium menu item, characterized by their large size and hearty texture. The Alaskan king crab legs at The Boiling Crab weigh 1.4 pounds for 2-3 legs and cost $50.40. The colossal legs make for an impressive, indulgent meal.

In addition to crab legs and clusters, Cajun restaurants excel at crab entrees. The Boiling Crab menu lists gumbos, chowders, and baskets brimming with crab. A fried soft shell crab basket with fries costs $15. There’s also crawfish, a close cousin to crab, available live, fried, or in gumbo.

No cajun crab menu is complete without seasonings and sauces for dipping The Boiling Crab offers lemon pepper seasoning along with 4 different sauces, like honey mustard and barbecue, for just 75 cents each. This allows you to customize the flavor of your crab dish.

Asian Crab Menus

Crab is equally integral to Asian cuisine. Menus at Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants contain plentiful crab recipes. Soft shell crab often appears in appetizers and starters. What The Crab serves deep fried soft shell crab with a tangy sauce for dipping. The crisp exterior encases the sweet crab meat inside.

Seafood noodle soups and rice porridge are Asian specialties. What The Crab’s menu lists crab meat dumpling soup swimming with plump dumplings. Another option is crab fried rice teeming with crab meat, scrambled eggs, and green onions. The indulgent fried rice makes a filling entree.

Chilled crab is the star of Japanese dishes like crab salad. What The Crab’s menu features spicy crab salad seasoned with Japanese mayo and chili oil. Cool crabmeat pairs nicely with the spicy dressing.

If you want to splurge on extravagant crab, some Asian restaurants offer hairy crab. This pricey seasonal crab boasts dense roe and a complex flavor. Expect to pay a premium for hairy crab dishes in the fall when it’s in season.

American Crab Menu Classics

American cuisine includes classic crab preparations on menus nationwide. From beachside seafood shacks to upscale steakhouses, certain dishes show up again and again. Maryland crab cakes lead the pack as a signature crab dish. Lump crabmeat is combined with spices and breadcrumbs then fried or broiled into savory cakes. What The Crab offers classic Maryland style crab cakes as an appetizer.

Another ubiquitous offering is crab stuffed shrimp. Plump shrimp get filled with a rich crab stuffing for an extra decadent take on shrimp cocktail. What The Crab stuffs the shrimp with a blend of crab, cream cheese, and seasonings.

Crab dip is a regular on American crab menus. Hot, creamy crab dip is ideal for scooping up with bread or crackers. What The Crab’s menu lists traditional hot crab dip baked with cheese.

Simple steamed or chilled crab also makes frequent appearances. Eating crab legs or clusters alongside drawn butter is a timeless preparation.

Essential Crab Menu Extras

Certain sides and extras pair perfectly with crab no matter what type of restaurant you’re dining at. French fries provide a crispy, salty counterpoint to sweet crab. The Boiling Crab serves Cajun fries and lemon pepper fries in addition to other varieties.

Bread and crackers are crab menu staples for good reason. Buttery toasted bread is ideal for sopping up crab juices or dipping in crab dip. What The Crab’s menu lists crackers, which you can use for scooping up crab dip.

Don’t forget about wine when eating crab! Chilled white wine is a classic pairing with crab’s delicate flavor. The briny taste of crab also works well with light reds like Pinot Noir. Just steer clear of heavy, oaky wines that will overpower the seafood.

With this overview of diverse crab menus, you can now navigate any restaurant’s offerings like a pro. Keep an eye out for regional specialties along with classic preparations to find your new favorite crab dish. Just make sure the menu includes plenty of dipping sauces, fries, wine and other essential crab accompaniments. Then get ready to feast on fantastic crab on your next dining adventure!