Seafood boils are often incomplete without the meaty, crunchy, and salty goodness of lobsters and crabs. While both lobster and crab are part of the crustacean family, their meat greatly differs in appearance and taste.

They are similar in some features like boneless meat and hard outer shell, but they certainly are not similar when it comes to taste.

Food experts describe crab meat as tender, juicer, and sweet in flavor. In comparison, lobster meat is more savory and dense.

In this blog, we will compare crab and lobster meat and find out what is the best option for your seafood boil.

Crab vs. Lobster Meat: An Overview

Crab Meat

Crab meat is eaten and admired widely due to its sweet and delicate flavors. It can soak up a variety of seasonings and sauces to make any seafood dish a star of the show. Crabs are one of the main ingredients in most southern region boils because their meat is flakier and easy to cook. These one-pot meals are often incomplete without the tender goodness of crab meat.

There are different types of crabs–all with different flavors. Crabs generally have two types of meat: white and brown. White meat is extracted from the legs and is the most flavorful with its sweet taste and flaky texture. Brown meat from the body usually tastes more full with a slightly creamy texture.

Snow crabs and king crabs are often preferred when it comes to stirring a seafood boil. They impart perfect sea flavor to the broth and veggies. If you are looking for a mouth-watering, ready-to-cook seafood boil with tender and juicy snow crabs, Crabby Bags’ Cajun Snow Crab Boil is a must try. This frozen crab boil bag is all you need to satisfy your seafood cravings and elevate your late summer evenings.

Lobster Meat

Lobsters are also used in a variety of seafood boils due to their mouth-watering meat, luxurious appearance, and firm texture. They are considered somewhat of a luxury in the seafood world. If you wish to impress your guest, a lobster boil will surely do the trick.

Let’s talk about the lobster meat in detail. It is savory and robust in flavor with a slightly firm texture. While lobster meat is slightly less tender than crab meat, its creamy and firm richness takes all the good points.

Most of the lobster meat is extracted from the claws and tails as these parts are the juiciest and tenderest. Cold-water lobsters, known for their tender and succulent claw meat, are usually the best choice for preparing a high-end seafood boil. While they can be expensive, nothing can beat the steamy meat from their three giant claws.

Warm water lobsters or rock lobsters are also used in seafood boils but people seek them for their tail meat rather than their claws.

Crab Vs. Lobster: Which is Healthier?

Both crab and lobster offer great nutritional value. They offer a high amount of protein along with other nutrients like zinc, potassium, selenium, and phosphorus. They can also be a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

You can easily make low-calorie and low-fat meals from both crab and lobster. If you are looking to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, a crab boil will be the best option.

However, if your goal is to prepare a boil rich in vitamin E, zinc, and copper, a lobster boil will do the trick.

Or you can always combine both crab and lobster in a boil to enjoy a high-protein, nutrient-rich, and delicious meal.

Crab vs. Lobster

The Cost Comparison

Cost is one of the most basic considerations one makes while cooking a seafood boil. Seafood is generally expensive–we all know that. But what is the more affordable option between a crab and a lobster?

Typically, crabs are thirty-five percent less expensive than lobsters. But it is hard to compare the cost as the pricing depends on where you live, what species you are buying, and how much meat you are getting.

People usually buy lump crab meat while lobsters are sold in their shells. After the shell is removed, the meat is only a quarter of the weight of the whole lobster. So, lobsters are comparatively expensive.

If you are on a budget and still want a luxury seafood boil, consider putting both crab and lobster in a boil. You can use crab as the main ingredient but still use pieces of lobster meat to add grace notes. It is a great way to elevate the richness, flavors, and health aspects of your boil without busting your budget.

Speaking of budget, there is another great way to enjoy a sizzling seafood boil without spending a lot. Crabby Bags’ scrumptious and mouth-watering seafood boils are everything you need to tantalize your tastebuds. These boil bags are not only affordable, but packed with high-quality ingredients, perfect blends of seasonings, and delicate sauces.

Conclusion

This blog compared the meat, cost, and health benefits of crab vs. lobster. Both are great options to toss in a seafood boil, but which one is better? Well, it depends on a lot of factors. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

If you are planning to host a high-end gathering and wish to serve a luxurious meal, a lobster boil with shrimp, potatoes, and pork sausages is an excellent option. However, if you are on a budget but still want a sizzling boil that wows your guests or family members, a snow crab boil will fit the bill.

And of course, you can always combine the two crustaceans in a pot to stir up a boil filled with sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Seafood boil with tender snow crab meat and lobster chunks will never disappoint.

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