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Maryland Crab Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American (Maryland Regional)

Description

Maryland Crab Soup is a comforting, tomato- and broth-based soup loaded with a variety of vegetables and the delicate flavors of lump blue crab. This hearty, savory soup features classic seasonings like Old Bay and Worcestershire sauce, simmered to perfection for a satisfying family favorite that showcases the best of Maryland’s coastal culinary heritage.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Seasonings

  • 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (65g) diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup (120g) sliced or diced carrots (1–2 large carrots or a handful of baby carrots)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) sliced or diced celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.5 Tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Liquids & Broth

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups (960ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2.5 cups (600ml) water

Vegetables & Beans

  • 2 cups (about 360g) peeled and chopped potato (Russet or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 cup (about 95g) shredded or chopped cabbage (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped green beans (frozen, canned/drained, or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup lima beans (frozen, canned/drained, or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup sweet corn (frozen, canned/drained, or freshly cooked)
  • 2 bay leaves

Seafood

  • 1 pound crab meat

Optional Garnish

  • Lemon pepper seasoning
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their juices.
  2. Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and ground mustard. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to let the spices bloom and aromas develop.
  3. Add Remaining Ingredients Except Crab: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, water, chopped potatoes, cabbage, green beans, lima beans, sweet corn, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the crab meat, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to meld all flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Ladle the soup warm into bowls and garnish with lemon pepper seasoning and fresh parsley if desired.
  6. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in a large covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, pour into a pot and warm over medium heat, adding broth if needed to adjust consistency as the soup thickens in the fridge.

Notes

  • Maryland Crab Soup is flexible; feel free to substitute any vegetables or beans based on availability.
  • Old Bay seasoning is key to authentic flavor, but adjust seasoning levels to taste.
  • The soup thickens as it cools; add broth or water when reheating to reach desired consistency.
  • Using low-sodium beef broth helps control saltiness while retaining depth of flavor.
  • For a milder version, reduce Old Bay seasoning slightly.
  • The cabbage can be omitted if you prefer a lighter texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240ml)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Find it online: https://lazydayrecipes.com/maryland-crab-soup-recipe/