Easy Crab Cocktail
This easy crab cocktail appetizer feels fancy without the fuss. Sweet, tender crab served chilled with classic cocktail sauce and fresh lemon makes a timeless, elegant starter for entertaining or special occasions.
Servings: 8 People
Calories: 80kcal
Ingredients
The Crab
- 24 ounces Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
- 2 Lemons halved or sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon Parsley for garnish (optional)
- Pinch of Paprika for garnish (optional)
Cocktail Sauce
- 12 ounce Heinz Chili Sauce or use ketchup
- 3 teaspoons Prepared Horseradish
- Pinch of Sea Salt
Instructions
Prepare the cocktail sauce:
- In a small bowl, stir together the chili sauce, prepared horseradish, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. If you don't want to make your own, just use store bought cocktail sauce.
Prep the crab:
- Gently drain the crab meat and carefully check for any remaining shell pieces. Pat dry lightly with paper towels if needed, taking care not to break up the lumps.
Arrange the platter:
- Spoon the crab meat onto a chilled serving platter or crab dish, keeping the pieces as whole as possible for the best presentation.
Garnish:
- Lightly sprinkle the crab with a pinch of paprika, if using, and garnish with fresh parsley. Arrange lemon halves or slices around the platter.
Serve:
- Serve the crab cocktail chilled with the cocktail sauce on the side. Add lemon juice just before serving, if desired. Lemon halves wrapped with ribbon add a nice touch and keep seeds contained.
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Notes
- Use quality crab: Jumbo lump crab gives the best flavor and presentation and is worth the splurge for holidays and special occasions.
- Handle gently: Drain and check the crab carefully, keeping the pieces as whole as possible for an elegant look.
- Serve chilled: For best flavor and food safety, keep all ingredients well chilled until serving.
- Make-ahead tip: Cocktail sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as it will affect the texture and quality of the crab meat.
- Serving suggestion: This recipe yields about 6–8 appetizer servings and is best served as a starter or part of an appetizer spread.
- Presentation tip: Wrap lemon halves or wedges in decorative lemon wraps or parchment and tie with a small ribbon for a festive, elegant touch—perfect for holidays and special gatherings.
Nutrition
Serving: 3ounces | Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg