Crab Imperial: A Luxurious and Easy Seafood Delight for Beginner Cooks
Crab Imperial is a luxurious yet easy seafood dish that brings an elegant touch to any gathering or meal. This creamy baked delight features tender lump crab meat enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce that highlights the natural sweetness of the crab.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- Optional: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins.
- In a mixing bowl, gently fold the lump crab meat into the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and parsley; stir lightly to combine.
- If desired, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for a golden finish.
- Bake until heated through and topping is golden brown (approximately 20-25 minutes).
- Garnish with additional paprika and parsley before serving warm alongside crackers or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 130mg