10 Best Meats That Pair Perfectly with Crab

Crab is one of the most delicious and luxurious types of seafood you can eat. With its sweet, briny flavor and tender meat, crab is always a treat. But it can be challenging to find the right meats to serve alongside crab that properly complement its flavors. You want something that enhances the crab rather than overpowers it.

In this article, we’ll share our top 10 recommendations for meats that pair flawlessly with fresh crab. From classics like steak to unexpected pairings like chorizo, these proteins are sure to be hits at your next crab feast. Read on to discover new and innovative ways to enjoy crab with complementary meats!

1. Filet Mignon

A tender, juicy filet mignon steak is a no-brainer pairing with crab. The mild flavor of beef accentuates the sweetness of crab meat beautifully. For an indulgent surf and turf dinner, opt for grilled or pan-seared filet mignon. The smoky notes from the grill or sear add even more depth. Serve filet mignon steaks with drawn butter, lemon wedges, and boiled snow crab legs for a match made in heaven.

2. Sirloin Steak

For a more budget-friendly take on surf and turf, swap filet mignon for sirloin steak. Sirloin has a pleasant mineral flavor and holds up well when grilled or pan-seared. Slice the steak and serve alongside a crab cake, or shred the meat and combine it with lump crab meat in tacos. Sirloin and crab is a hearty, satisfying pairing with a nice contrast of textures.

3. Beef Tenderloin

Buttery, delicate beef tenderloin is another excellent red meat option to serve with crab. Try searing sea scallops and serving them over sliced beef tenderloin with a crab-based sauce drizzled on top The sweet crab and mild beef combine for a delightful duo Or bake a whole tenderloin and top it with jumbo lump crab meat right before serving for a show-stopping dish.

4. Bacon

Smoky, salty bacon makes everything taste better – including crab! Wrap filets of white fish or sea scallops in bacon before broiling or baking. The rendered bacon fat keeps the seafood moist while infusing it with flavor Bacon-wrapped seafood served atop a crab salad or bisque is an appetizing combination You can also crumble cooked bacon over crab cakes or dip steamed crab legs in warm bacon fat.

5. Italian Sausage

Spicy Italian sausage links pair surprisingly well with sweet crab meat. For a fun appetizer, wrap bites of crab meat in halved and grilled Italian sausage links. The heat and seasoning of the sausage complements the rich crab. Or add chunks of Italian sausage to a tomato-based crab stew. Italian sausage also makes a stellar topper for crab-stuffed ravioli or manicotti.

6. Andouille Sausage

Similar to Italian sausage, smoky andouille sausage is another great choice for pairing with crab. In a nod to classic surf and turf, make crab-stuffed Andouille by slicing the sausage lengthwise, removing some of the meat, and stuffing with a crab mixture. Grill or pan fry to serve as an appetizer. You can also add bites of andouille to gumbo, jambalaya, or crab boils for more depth of flavor.

7. Chorizo

Spicy, zesty chorizo has an affinity for seafood, making it a fun pairing with crab. Add chorizo to paella, jambalaya, or crab cakes for a boost of flavor. You can also stuff grilled chorizo with crab salad for an upscale twist on pigs in a blanket. For a hearty main dish, serve chorizo alongside tender crab claws and corn on the cob. The spicy heat of the sausage contrasts nicely with sweet crab.

8. Prosciutto

Paper-thin slices of cured ham called prosciutto add a refined, savory flavor to seafood dishes. Wrap chunks of jumbo lump crab meat in prosciutto before baking or broiling for an elegant appetizer. Or add slivers of prosciutto to crab risotto or pasta. The subtle saltiness of prosciutto accentuates the briny flavor of the crab.

9. Pepperoni

For an easy party platter, serve sliced pepperoni with crackers and a dip made with crab meat and cream cheese. The rich, meaty flavor of pepperoni complements the crab dip wonderfully. You can also bake wonton wrappers topped with crab, mozzarella, and pepperoni for quick crab rangoon poppers with a kick. Or elevate crab pizza by topping it with spicy pepperoni.

10. Salami

Rounding out the charcuterie board, salami can also be served alongside crab for a tasty combination Thinly sliced salami adds a nice saltiness and texture contrast when paired with creamy crab dip and crackers For an appetizer, roll up slices of salami with chunks of crab meat secured with toothpicks. Salami also adds hearty flavor when diced up and added to crab bisque or stew.

With so many diverse meats that pair beautifully with crab, the possibilities for amazing surf and turf combinations are endless! From mild filet mignon to spicy chorizo sausage, these proteins complement the sweet flavor of fresh crab meat perfectly. Use this list as inspiration to discover new favorite pairings at your next seafood feast.