Description
Indulge in the rich and sophisticated flavors of this Crab Brûlée recipe, a luxurious twist on a classic crème brûlée. Perfect for seafood lovers, this savory dish combines sweet, tender crab meat with creamy custard, infused with hints of garlic, shallots, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with a crisp, caramelized topping, this recipe is ideal as an elegant appetizer for dinner parties or a unique addition to a festive table. Impress your guests with its restaurant-quality presentation and tantalizing taste. Simple to prepare yet decadently delicious, this crab brûlée is a must-try for gourmet enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Crab Brûlée Recipe
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for caramelizing the top)
- Chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bring a kettle of water to boil for the water bath.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Base
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and white pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Add Crab Meat
- Gently fold the fresh crab meat into the custard mixture, being careful not to break the crab chunks apart.
Step 4: Prepare Ramekins
- Divide the mixture evenly into 4 small ramekins.
- Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish or roasting pan.
Step 5: Create a Water Bath
- Pour the boiling water into the pan, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Step 6: Bake
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 7: Cool
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
Step 8: Caramelize the Top
- Before serving, sprinkle ½ tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each ramekin.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Alternatively, place the ramekins under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
Step 9: Serve
- Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For a touch of garnish, sprinkle fresh chives or a pinch of paprika over the brûlée before serving.
- Use lump or jumbo lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: Crab Brûlée recipe, savory crème brûlée, seafood appetizer, elegant crab dish, caramelized topping.