Description
Crab Imperial is a luxurious yet easy-to-make seafood dish perfect for beginner cooks. Featuring succulent lump crab meat blended with rich mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice, this baked casserole is enhanced with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and fresh herbs. The result is a creamy, flavorful, and visually appealing entrée ideal for serving warm with crackers, bread, or salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Mixture
- 1 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 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 Topping
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup during baking.
- Combine Crab Mixture: Gently fold the lump crab meat into the mayonnaise mixture (mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper) being careful to keep the crab pieces intact for texture.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in the finely diced red bell pepper and freshly chopped parsley to add texture and freshness to the mixture.
- Add Topping (Optional): Mix the plain breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the crab mixture for a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake the Dish: Bake the crab mixture in the preheated oven until heated through and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown, approximately 25 minutes, ensuring that it is fully cooked and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra paprika and fresh parsley on top for color and flavor just before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve the Crab Imperial warm accompanied by crackers, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much to maintain its texture in the dish.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch to contrast the creamy filling.
- Old Bay seasoning is a classic choice for seafood but can be substituted with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper if unavailable.
- This dish is best served warm to enjoy the full flavor and texture balance.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.
