We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Deviled Crab?

By Eugene P.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,830
Share

There are several recipes for deviled crab, varying greatly in how they are cooked and served. The traditional version of deviled crab is a dense, breaded oval filled with crab, bread and spices and deep fried to be eaten right from the hand. This recipe evolved into a plated dish in which the crabmeat was spiced differently and the focus on being street fare was reduced; the crab was instead served inside its own shell or in a bowl. Other variations came about, especially from home cooks, who instead created baked deviled crab casseroles or formed them into loose patties that looked like crab cakes or croquettes.

Deviled crab originated in Florida as a food for migrant workers. The original recipe was simple and probably made form leftovers mixed with crab, which was very inexpensive and plentiful at the time. The first version to appear had only a few ingredients, namely crabmeat, bread and enchilada sauce that was mixed with some Latin American or Cuban spices. The mixture was formed into an oval, breaded and then deep fried. The idea was to provide a flavorful, affordable food that could be transported and eaten on the job without utensils.

The food became popular and started being sold by street vendors. Deviled crab moved into bars and restaurants at this point, mostly as an appetizer. Instead of focusing on the portability of the crab, the dish developed into a plated course in which the meat was more heavily spiced and baked instead of fried in some instances. The final meal could be served on a plate, in the upper shell of the crab or in a hot ramekin. Sauces were added to complete the dish.

In the home, deviled crab developed into a more family friendly dish. Sometimes, the mixture of crab, breadcrumbs and spices would be placed into a casserole dish and then baked. This allowed a large amount to be made with very little effort. The baked version of the crab can be served with a number of robust sauces or drizzled with melted butter and garlic.

Deviled crab in all its forms remains a popular food in Florida and surrounding areas. It can be found as an appetizer in bars and some restaurants. Common ingredients in crab recipes are usually moisteners such as mayonnaise and mustard, herbs such as parsley and cilantro, eggs, Worcestershire sauce and diced vegetables such as onion and green peppers.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-deviled-crab.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.