Brown and White Crab Meat: What’s the Difference?

white and brown crab meat

Brown and white crab meat have the potential to turn an ordinary dish into a special meal. They both have their benefits and depending on what you are looking for, can be the main event in a meal or a worthwhile ingredient. 

If you are new to these culinary delights, then you should know the differences between the texture and taste associated with both. Knowledge is power and knowing how to get the best out of brown and white crab meat will leave you with a powerful reputation in any kitchen. 

This article will help you get the best out of both delicious ingredients. 

Brown Crab Meat 

Which Part of Crab Does the Brown Crab Meat Come From?

It is common knowledge in the seaside towns of Norway, that the brown crab meat comes from the shell cavity on top of the crab. It is known as a natural pate, for its interesting texture. 

White meat has more of a meat-type feel, where many folks compare brown meat’s texture to a soft dip, or as previously mentioned, a pate. 

If this sounds ideal to you, then we have some good news, brown crab meat is often much cheaper than its white counterpart. 

How Does it Taste?

People who enjoy brown crab meat love it for its rich flavor. 

Brown crab meat is an ideal addition to sauces. It is true that the flavorsome brown meat is not for everyone, but those who love it, swear by its wonderful complexities. 

What are the Health Benefits?

Although high in fat, brown crab meat also has a host of health benefits. 

For instance, it is high in omega-3 and has a whole host of key vitamins that are required for the normal functioning of the body. 

What Dishes can you Prepare with Brown Crab Meat?

As we previously stated, brown crab meat’s richness is ideal for sauces. 

As we said, it has also been described as a ‘natural pate’ and goes beautifully as a key ingredient on bruschetta or with any nice bread.

You can also mix it together with its white counterpart for a whole bunch of dishes. These include salads, pasta. and many other excellent recipes. 

White Crab Meat

Which Part of Crab Does the White Crab Meat Come From?

White crab meat comes from most areas on these little pinchers. You can get it out of their legs, their claws and even parts of their main body. Its texture is more meat-like and is a real hit as a top-shelf ingredient in seafood restaurants around the world. 

This is likely because of its delicate, flaky quality that makes it melt in your mouth. 

How Does it Taste?

With a more subtle flavor than brown crab meat, this white meat goes incredibly well in pasta dishes. That is due to its sweet flavor and delicate body. 

When cooked, it can be eaten both cold and warm and although is ideal as part of a dish, it is also wonderful as a treat on its own. Honestly, if you see crab claws on the menu, you should consider ordering them!

What are the Health Benefits?

White crab meat is loved by gym-goers, as it is both low in fat and is high in protein. 

It is also full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. 

All in all, white crab meat is delicious and has a whole host of health benefits. 

What Dishes can you Prepare with White Crab Meat?

If you have never tried good crab linguine, then you are missing out! You can pair this dish with virtually anything and it will be delicious. 

White crab meat is incredibly flexible, delicious, and goes well in a wide variety of dishes and it is wonderful on its own too.  

Choosing Between the Two

It isn’t a question of which of the two is better, as both are delicious and perfect in their own way. The choice ultimately depends on what you are looking for.

Are you after a rich, flavourful ingredient? Then brown crab meat is the ideal choice for you. 

Are you searching for something that is delicate and sweet? Choose white crab meat. 

Whichever you choose, you are in for a treat, as brown and white crab meat are true culinary delights. 

And did we mention, they go brilliantly together! 

Author

Chief Marketing Officer

Seafood lover and Chief Commercial Officer at HitraMat, bringing Norwegian shellfish to the world.