Description
Elevate your appetizer game with this Crab Brûlée recipe, a creamy and savory masterpiece that’s perfect for special occasions. Featuring succulent crab meat blended with rich cream, aromatic herbs, and a touch of Parmesan, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors. The caramelized sugar topping adds a surprising crunch, creating a gourmet experience in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or celebrating a milestone, this seafood-inspired brûlée is sure to impress. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s a show-stopping addition to any table.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Crab Brûlée Recipe
- 8 oz fresh lump crab meat, carefully cleaned
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp Gruyère cheese, finely grated
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tbsp turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar, for brûlée top)
- Parsley or microgreens for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Crab Brûlée Recipe
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a baking dish or roasting pan for a water bath by filling it halfway with hot water. Place individual ramekins in the pan. -
Prepare the Crab Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat. -
Add Seasonings:
Stir in the egg yolks, Gruyère cheese, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. -
Fill Ramekins:
Divide the crab mixture evenly among the ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full. -
Bake in a Water Bath:
Carefully place the baking dish with the ramekins into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly. -
Cool and Chill:
Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled. -
Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
Just before serving, sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar) evenly over the top of each ramekin. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with parsley or microgreens, if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat. If using canned or packaged crab, ensure it’s well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the mixture. For a deeper caramel flavor in the brûlée topping, opt for turbinado sugar, but granulated sugar works just as well. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Serve immediately after caramelizing the sugar to maintain the crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Seafood Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Torch Caramelizing
- Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 230 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: baked crab custard, seafood brûlée recipe, creamy crab appetizer, savory crab dish, gourmet seafood starter, fancy holiday appetizer, rich seafood recipe, caramelized seafood custard, luxurious crab recipe, unique dinner party appetizer