Crab Roll
Sweet, succulent lump crabmeat tossed in a light, creamy dressing with a hint of lemon and fresh chives, all piled into a buttery, toasted split-top bun. A classic New England summer treat ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Crab Salad
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, finely diced celery, 2 tablespoons of chives, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. This creates the dressing base.
- c.Gently pick through the lump crabmeat to remove any stray pieces of shell or cartilage, being careful not to break up the lumps.
- d.Add the crabmeat to the dressing. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the crabmeat into the dressing until it is just coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the crab chunks intact.
- e.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Buns
- b.Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- c.Generously brush the flat outer sides of each split-top bun with the melted butter.
- d.Place the buns butter-side down in the hot skillet. Toast for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown, crisp, and fragrant.
- e.Remove the buns from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Carefully open the warm, toasted buns.
- c.Remove the chilled crab salad from the refrigerator and give it one last gentle stir.
- d.Divide the crab salad evenly among the four buns, piling it high.
- e.Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh chives.
- f.Serve immediately with classic accompaniments like potato chips, coleslaw, or a pickle spear.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the best quality lump crabmeat you can find. The crab is the star of the show, so its quality makes a huge difference.
- 2To keep the crabmeat in large, succulent pieces, mix the dressing ingredients first, then gently fold in the crab.
- 3Chilling the salad is crucial. It not only melds the flavors but also creates a delightful temperature contrast with the warm, buttery bun.
- 4If you can't find New England-style split-top buns, brioche hot dog buns are a great alternative.
- 5For an extra layer of flavor, add a dash of Old Bay seasoning to the mayonnaise dressing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Connecticut-Style Crab Roll
For a different regional take, skip the mayonnaise dressing. Instead, gently warm the crabmeat in 3-4 tablespoons of melted butter and serve it warm in the toasted bun with a squeeze of lemon.
Spicy Crab RollSpicy Crab Roll
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a finely minced jalapeño to the mayonnaise dressing for a spicy kick.
Herbed Crab RollHerbed Crab Roll
Incorporate other fresh herbs like dill or parsley along with the chives for a more complex, herbaceous flavor.
Avocado Crab RollAvocado Crab Roll
Add half of a diced avocado to the crab salad for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Crabmeat is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Crab is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels, as well as promoting brain function.
Boosts Immune Function
Crab provides important minerals like selenium and zinc, which act as antioxidants and play a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
A single crab roll made with this recipe contains approximately 420-450 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of mayonnaise, butter, and buns used.