Load the crab pots and get the boat ready — you need fresh Dungeness Crab Rolls on your table as soon as possible. Think lobster roll family-style, but with a Pacific Northwest twist: sweet, tender Dungeness crab folded into a simple, bright dressing and served in a toasted soft bun. If you love shellfish, this is a must-try summer sandwich.
Dungeness Crab Roll Recipe
I grew up far from the coast and remember the excitement of cracking open a single snow crab leg as a kid. Once I moved to the Pacific Northwest and tasted fresh Dungeness straight from the water, I was hooked. These crab rolls celebrate that sweet, delicate crab meat with just enough lemon, herbs, and mayo to let the seafood shine.
Fresh Dungeness is wonderful, but good frozen crab shipped overnight can work very well too. If Dungeness is unavailable, substitute lump or backfin crab—just avoid imitation “krab” from the deli counter. The real thing makes all the difference in both flavor and texture.
Don’t skimp on the bun
A great crab salad deserves a soft, slightly sweet roll to rest on. Brioche buns are ideal: they toast nicely and add richness without overpowering the crab. If you prefer, use split-top hot dog rolls or soft New England-style rolls. Lightly butter and toast the cut sides so they hold up to the filling and add a pleasant crispness.
Try our Spot Prawn Rolls for another delightful seafood sandwich.
Recipe Shopping List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crab roll recipe. See the ingredient list in the recipe card below for exact amounts.
- Dungeness crab meat (fresh or high-quality frozen)
- Salt and kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Celery stalk (inner stalk preferred)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh parsley
- Green onion
- Brioche or split-top rolls
- Butter for toasting
- Old Bay or another seafood seasoning (optional)
Also popular: Lobster Rolls.
How to Make These Crab Rolls
This overview gives the main steps so you know what to expect. Follow the full recipe card at the bottom for exact quantities and timing.
- Mix: Stir together the dressing ingredients, then gently fold in the shelled lump crab so the meat remains in large pieces.
- Chill: Refrigerate the crab salad for 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld and to keep the filling cool.
- Toast: Butter and lightly toast the buns until golden brown.
- Serve: Pile chilled crab salad into the toasted buns, finish with a sprinkle of Old Bay if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Traeger Hot Crab Dip is another great recipe for crab lovers.
Recipe FAQ
Store fresh crab salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2–3 days. Keep it chilled and eat as soon as possible after thawing if you used frozen crab.
Yes—lump crab, backfin, or other sweet crab meat all work well. Dungeness is a favorite in the Pacific Northwest, but quality will vary regionally, so choose the freshest crab you can find.
Dungeness Crab Bisque is another delicious use for leftover crab.
More Dungeness Crab Recipes
- Grilled Crab Cakes
- Crab-Stuffed Lingcod
- Dungeness Crab Stuffed Shells
- Blackstone Crab Scampi
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Dungeness Crab Rolls
Tender Dungeness crab tossed in a light, lemony mayo dressing makes a refreshing sandwich perfect for warm-weather meals or any time you crave fresh seafood.
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups Dungeness crab meat
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 inner celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 4 brioche rolls
- Butter for spreading (optional)
- Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped celery, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, mayonnaise, parsley, and green onion. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Gently fold the crab meat into the dressing, being careful to keep lumps of meat intact. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Spread a little butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast them in the oven or on a griddle until golden brown.
- Generously fill the toasted rolls with the chilled crab salad. Sprinkle a little Old Bay if you like extra seasoning, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 722
Total Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 310mg
Sodium: 1901mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 66g
Nutrition data provided here is an estimate.
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