Best 6 Maryland Style Crab Soup Recipes

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In the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region, where blue crabs reign supreme, there exists a culinary treasure that embodies the essence of Maryland's rich seafood heritage: Maryland-style crab soup. This delectable dish, often referred to as "The Official Soup of Maryland," is a symphony of flavors that pays homage to the state's bountiful crab harvest. Whether you're a seasoned seafood enthusiast or a curious foodie seeking authentic regional cuisine, this comprehensive guide to Maryland-style crab soup will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the shores of the Chesapeake.

Within this culinary journey, we'll explore three distinct recipes that capture the soul of Maryland crab soup: the Classic Maryland Crab Soup, the Creamy Maryland Crab Soup, and the Spicy Maryland Crab Soup. Each recipe is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of this iconic dish, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences. From the robust flavors of the classic recipe to the velvety richness of the creamy version and the zesty kick of the spicy variation, you'll discover a world of crab soup possibilities.

As we embark on this culinary adventure, you'll also gain valuable insights into the history, cultural significance, and unique ingredients that make Maryland crab soup so special. Learn about the significance of blue crabs in Maryland's culinary identity, the traditional methods used to prepare the dish, and the variations that have emerged over time. Whether you're a home cook seeking to recreate this Maryland delicacy or a food enthusiast eager to expand your culinary horizons, this guide will provide you with all the knowledge and inspiration you need to savor the essence of Maryland's beloved crab soup. Embrace the Chesapeake's bounty and indulge in the flavors that define a Maryland culinary tradition.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MARYLAND-STYLE CRAB SOUP



Maryland-Style Crab Soup image

Try this hearty soup that incorporates the best of vegetable soup and flavorful crab. I break whole crabs and claws into pieces and drop them into the soup to cook, then serve it with saltine crackers and a cold beer. -Freelove Knott, Palm Bay, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 6h35m

Yield 8 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions, undrained
2 cups water
1-1/2 pounds potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 5 cups)
2 cups cubed peeled rutabaga
2 cups chopped cabbage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, sliced
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup frozen lima beans, thawed
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup cut fresh green beans (1-inch pieces)
4 teaspoons seafood seasoning
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 vegetable bouillon cube
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound fresh or lump crabmeat, drained

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 16 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender., Stir in crab. Cook, covered, on low 15 minutes longer or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 1111mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

CHEF STUART'S MARYLAND CRAB SOUP



Chef Stuart's Maryland Crab Soup image

Provided by Stuart O'Keeffe

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon crab boil seasoning (recommended: Old Bay)
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
2 cups water
2 cups baby potatoes, cut into cubes
1/2 cup green beans
1 cup corn
One 28-ounce can San Marzano diced tomatoes with juices
1 bay leaf
1 pound crab meat

Steps:

  • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, saute the onions, garlic, and celery in the olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the crab boil seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until all the vegetables are coated with seasoning and spices. Add all the other ingredients except for the crab. Simmer over low heat until potatoes are soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • While the soup is cooking, pick through the crab meat just to ensure that all shells are removed. Stir in crab the last 10 minutes of cooking.

MARYLAND CRAB SOUP



Maryland Crab Soup image

The is the real stuff. Genuine Maryland crab soup, direct from the Chesapeake Bay area.

Provided by Cindy Chaney

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Seafood

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
3 cups water
1 cup fresh lima beans
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup sliced carrots
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning TM
2 cups beef broth
1 pound blue crab crabmeat
10 blue crab claws, steamed
1 gallon water

Steps:

  • Place whole tomatoes, water, lima beans, corn, sliced carrots, chopped onion, Old Bay seasoning, and beef broth, in a 4 quart pot. Heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Bring 1 gallon water to boil. Add crab claws and boil 6 minutes. Drain crab and set aside
  • Stir crabmeat (and crabs claws, if desired) into tomato and vegetable mixture. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes longer. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165.3 calories, Carbohydrate 21.5 g, Cholesterol 51.8 mg, Fat 1.3 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 17.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 882.2 mg, Sugar 5.6 g

MARYLAND CREAM OF CRAB SOUP



Maryland Cream of Crab Soup image

Make and share this Maryland Cream of Crab Soup recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Millereg

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon minced onion
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
6 ounces crabmeat, backfin recommended,cartilage removed
16 fluid ounces light cream
parsley (optional)

Steps:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter, add Old Bay, minced onion, lemon juice, and stir thoroughly.
  • Add the flour, stirring constantly, and then gradually add the light cream, continuing to stir.
  • Add the crabmeat and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • Do not allow the soup to boil.
  • Serve garnished with a dash of Old Bay and parsley flakes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 764.6, Fat 69.1, SaturatedFat 43, Cholesterol 252.1, Sodium 808.1, Carbohydrate 15.3, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 0.6, Protein 23

MARYLAND CRAB SOUP



Maryland Crab Soup image

Make and share this Maryland Crab Soup recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Luckytrim

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
1 large boiling potato, peeled and cubed
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
1 stalk celery, trimmed and sliced thin
1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
1 cup frozen peas
4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled plum tomatoes
1 1/2 lbs lump crabmeat
6 cups water
salt
black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, green beans, corn, peas, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, mustard, red pepper flakes, and 6 cups water in a large pot. Add tomatoes, crushing them in your hand, and juice from can. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Add crabmeat to soup and simmer 35 minutes more, stirring often. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360.3, Fat 3.3, SaturatedFat 0.5, Cholesterol 129.1, Sodium 913.4, Carbohydrate 39.6, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 14.8, Protein 44.2

AWARD-WINNING MARYLAND CREAM OF CRAB SOUP



Award-Winning Maryland Cream of Crab Soup image

This recipe is credited to Ms. Charlese Smith and is the Grand Prize Winner in the Soup Division of the 53rd Annual National Hard Crab Derby held in Crisfield, MD. It is very rich - not a diet soup!! I make this with one cup grated onion sauteed in the butter until very soft to start, before adding the milk and cream, but I didn't want to add that below as this is the original recipe.

Provided by Raquel Grinnell

Categories     Crab

Time 35m

Yield 1 pot soup, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pint whole milk
1 quart half-and-half
2 pints heavy whipping cream
1 lb jumbo lump crab meat (only from Maryland will do!)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
3 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
cornstarch
water
dry sherry, to taste

Steps:

  • Bring milk, half and half, and heavy whipping cream to a boil. Add crab meat, fresh parsley, Old Bay Seasoning, butter, salt and pepper. When it starts to boil, make a paste of cornstarch and water and add to thicken soup.
  • To serve, sprinkle each serving with a bit of Old Bay and chopped parsley. Serve with oyster crackers and a small cream pitcher of sherry on the side for diners to add to taste. That's how we do it in Maryland!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 564.5, Fat 53, SaturatedFat 32.8, Cholesterol 218.8, Sodium 387.1, Carbohydrate 9.2, Sugar 2.7, Protein 14.6

Tips:

  • Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor. If you can't find fresh crab meat, frozen crab meat will work, but it won't be as flavorful.
  • Don't overcook the crab meat. Crab meat is delicate and can easily become tough if overcooked. Cook it just until it is heated through.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your soup. This will add flavor and nutrients to the soup. Some good options include celery, carrots, onions, and potatoes.
  • Season the soup to taste. Salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning are all good options. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
  • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers. This will help to soak up the delicious broth.

Conclusion:

Maryland-style crab soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a comforting and flavorful soup, give Maryland-style crab soup a try.

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