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Classic Crab Imperial Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 133 reviews

Classic Crab Imperial is a luxurious and elegant seafood dish featuring lump crab meat blended with a creamy, tangy sauce and baked to perfection. This recipe highlights the delicate flavor and texture of fresh crab enhanced by a well-balanced mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and a touch of lemon, topped optionally with a buttery, crispy crust.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crab Imperial:

  • 1 pound lump crab meat
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease individual ramekins or a shallow baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  2. Mix the Imperial Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, paprika, and chopped parsley until smooth and well combined. This forms the creamy, flavorful base for the crab.
  3. Fold in the Crab Meat: Gently fold the lump crab meat into the sauce mixture with a spatula, being careful not to break up the lumps. Keeping the crab pieces intact preserves the distinctive texture and elegance of the dish.
  4. Portion and Arrange: Spoon the crab mixture lightly into ramekins or your baking dish. Do not pack it tightly; the mixture should remain light and fluffy for optimal texture.
  5. Optional Topping: For a rich and crispy crust, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers evenly over each portion.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F, ensuring the dish is safely cooked but still moist.
  7. Serve Hot: Remove the crab imperial from the oven, let it rest for 2 minutes, then garnish with additional parsley and serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh or pasteurized lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the crab to maintain the integrity of the lumps.
  • Ramekins provide elegant individual servings, but a shallow baking dish is also fine for a shared dish.
  • The optional butter and breadcrumb topping adds a nice golden crust but can be omitted for a lighter version.
  • Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F to comply with seafood safety guidelines.

Keywords: Crab Imperial, Crab recipe, Seafood appetizer, Baked crab dish, Classic crab sauce, Old Bay seasoning, Elegant seafood

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/classic-crab-imperial-recipe/