An All-Crab Menu for National Crab Day

Crab lovers, take note: National Crab Day is March 9th. While it’s not the kind of holiday that comes with a day off or a long weekend, we’ll gladly take any excuse to celebrate the sweet, delicate, uniquely delectable flavor of everyone’s favorite crustacean. What better way to celebrate National Crab Day than with a full day of crab-based meals? These seven recipes will take you from a leisurely brunch (March 9th, 2024 is a Saturday, after all) right through to a delicious, hearty dinner. Pick your favorites and create your own perfect menu—whether you opt for a full day of crab dishes or just one meal, you’re in for a memorably delicious National Crab Day.

The Most Important Meal of the Day: Brunch

A great brunch is relaxed yet extravagant, the kind of meal that’s an event in itself. Crab makes perfect sense with this vibe. Although its flavor is light and mild, it’s an indulgent ingredient that makes any dish feel special and high-end. Our Herby Crustless Quiche with Crab and Bacon and Crab Benedict show off crab’s range: It can stand out in a savory quiche packet with herbs and bacon, or it can be a perfectly sweet foil to poached eggs and Hollandaise. 

Keep Things Light for Lunch

After a hearty brunch, lunch is probably the last thing on your mind—but when afternoon hunger inevitably strikes, something light and refreshing is sure to hit the spot. Our Lemon Orzo Crab Salad definitely fits the bill: It’s veggie-heavy and filling, with a flavorful lemon vinaigrette that nicely complements all the ingredients. Or, for something a little different, try our Spicy Soy Ginger Glass Noodles with Crab, which is loaded with fresh ginger, chilies, and herbs. This dish is an ideal lunch for those who crave intense flavors.

Take Comfort in a Delicious Dinner

For the final meal of the day, comfort food is very much on the menu. Crab may be light in both flavor and texture, but it can carry a hearty, comforting dish with the best of them. A big, warming bowl of Crab Bisque makes an excellent first course—or, with enough bread and butter, a main dish. Our Crab Pesto Pasta combines comforting carbs with delicious, garlicky pesto and sweet crab for a pasta dish you’ll want to put on repeat. And for the ultimate in crab-based comfort, try our Maryland-Style Crab Cakes po’boy sandwich style: Serve on toasted French rolls with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles, and mayo.