Deviled crab

Deviled crab is a cherished dish originating from Tampa, Florida, specifically from the vibrant immigrant community of Ybor City, which is heavily influenced by Spanish, Cuban, and Italian cultures. This delectable treat is essentially a crab meat croquette, ideal for lunch or a quick snack, and designed for convenient one-handed eating.

To prepare deviled crab, blue crab meat is sautéed with a flavorful blend of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and an assortment of seasonings. This savory mixture is then rolled in breadcrumbs, shaped into an oblong form, and deep-fried to perfection. The term "deviled" refers to the dish's early versions, which were notably spicy.

The origins of deviled crab date back to the late 1920s during a strike in Tampa's cigar factories. During this period, locals sought an affordable meal and blended blue crab meat with Cuban bread and seasonings. Post-strike, the dish's popularity soared, with enterprising individuals selling their versions from pushcarts and bicycles. Today, deviled crabs remain a staple in the Tampa Bay area, particularly at establishments serving Cuban and Spanish cuisine.

Interestingly, variations of deviled crab can be found along the U.S. Atlantic coast and even in South Asia. In the U.S., the dish frequently features crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs and spices, cooked, and served in a crab shell. The South Asian version is similar, also served in the shell, and bears a closer resemblance to the Chesapeake Bay style rather than the Tampa version.