Filipino Stuffed Crabs (Crab Relleno)

Looking for a show-stopping seafood dish that delivers rich, savory flavor in every bite? Meet Crab Relleno, a beloved Filipino stuffed crab recipe that transforms blue crabs into a crispy, golden, flavor-packed delight.

Stuffed with sautéed vegetables, fresh crab meat, and a mix of seasonings, then pan-fried to perfection, this dish is a beautiful mix of comfort food and celebration fare—a must-try for seafood lovers.

📜 What is Crab Relleno?

Crab Relleno (or Rellenong Alimango) is a classic Filipino dish made by stuffing the cleaned crab shell with a savory crab meat mixture. It’s typically pan-fried until crispy on the outside while keeping the filling moist and flavorful. It’s a celebration of fresh crab, made heartier with ingredients like vegetables, breadcrumbs, egg, and fish sauce.

It’s often served at family gatherings, holidays, or special occasions—but it’s simple enough to make at home with just a bit of prep.

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💡 Tips for the Best Crab Relleno

• Don’t overcook the crab during boiling—just enough to extract the meat cleanly.
  
• Use fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright herbal touch.
  
• Adjust spice by adding more or less green chilies.
  
• You can also shape the filling into patties or croquettes if you don’t have crab shells.

 Filipino Stuffed Crabs (Crab Relleno)

Recipe by Patrick Kong

Course: Main, AppetizersCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Medium

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Servings

4

servings

Prep time

40

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 4 4 blue crabs

• 2 2 potatoes, diced

• 1 1 tomato, diced

• ½ carrot, diced

• ½ onion, diced

• 3 cloves 3 garlic, minced

• Green chilies, minced (adjust to taste)

• 2 Tbsp 2 parsley, chopped

• Salt, to taste

• 1 Tbsp 1 garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp 1 fish sauce

• 1 tsp 1 black pepper

• ¾ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 1 egg

• Neutral oil, for frying

Directions

• Cook the Crabs
• Steam or boil the blue crabs until cooked through.
• Immediately shock in ice water to stop the cooking process.
• Extract the crab meat and carefully clean and save the top shells—these will be used for stuffing.
• Prep the Filling Ingredients
• Dice the potatoes, carrots, onions, tomato, and green chilies. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
• Cook the Vegetables
• In a pan over medium-low heat, sweat the potatoes, carrots, and onions for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
• Add the tomato, garlic, and chilies and cook another 4–5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
• Add Crab Meat & Seasonings
• Turn off the heat. Mix in the crab meat and parsley. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and fish sauce. Stir to combine.
• Let the filling cool slightly.
• Then add 1 beaten egg and ¾ cup breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined.
• Stuff the Crabs
• Spoon the filling generously into the cleaned crab shells, pressing to compact slightly.
• Fry or Air Fry
• Fry: Heat about 2 inches of neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Shallow fry the stuffed crabs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Air Fry (healthier method): Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crisp and golden.
• Step 8: Serve
• Serve hot, either on their own or over steamed white rice with a dipping sauce like spiced vinegar or calamansi soy.

🇵🇭 Why You’ll Love This Filipino Seafood Favorite

• It’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor
  
• Uses simple ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality taste
  
• Great for celebrations or impressing guests
  
• A fantastic way to use fresh blue crabs in a creative, nostalgic dish

Final Thoughts

This Filipino Crab Relleno recipe is a total gem—full of bold, savory flavor and satisfying texture, with a crisp golden shell and juicy crab filling. Whether you’re new to Filipino cooking or revisiting a childhood favorite, this dish is pure comfort with a touch of elegance.

Make it for a party, a special dinner, or just because you deserve something delicious.