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Easy Seafood Delight for Beginner Cooks Recipe

Easy Seafood Delight for Beginner Cooks Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Crab Imperial is a luxurious yet easy-to-make seafood dish perfect for beginner cooks. This creamy and flavorful baked crab casserole combines lump crab meat with mayonnaise and seasonings for a rich, savory treat that’s great as an appetizer or light main course. Enhanced with fresh bell pepper and parsley, and optionally topped with buttery breadcrumbs, Crab Imperial offers a satisfying flaky texture and a golden crust. This elegant recipe is ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish or individual ramekins with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the mixture from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Crab and Mayonnaise: In a large bowl, gently fold the lump crab meat into the mayonnaise mixture (including egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper). Be careful not to break up the crab too much to keep its texture intact.
  3. Add Bell Pepper and Parsley: Stir in the finely diced red bell pepper and chopped parsley lightly. This adds a fresh and colorful burst of flavor and texture to the dish.
  4. Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using, mix the plain breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the crab mixture. This creates a golden, crispy crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Heated Through: Place the dish in a preheated oven (about 350°F / 175°C) and bake until the crab mixture is warmed completely and the topping is golden brown, around 20-25 minutes.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with additional paprika and fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. Serve warm with crackers, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
  7. Enjoy Your Crab Imperial: Dig in and enjoy this creamy, luscious seafood delight that’s perfect for entertaining or a special family meal.

Notes

  • For best results, pick over the crab meat carefully to remove any shell fragments.
  • If lump crab meat is unavailable, high-quality canned crab meat can be used as a substitute.
  • The optional breadcrumb topping adds texture but can be omitted for a smoother dish or to keep it gluten-free.
  • This recipe can be prepared in individual ramekins for easier portioning and elegant presentation.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
  • Adjust Old Bay seasoning and salt according to your taste preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crab Imperial, baked crab recipe, seafood appetizer, easy crab dish, lump crab meat, crab casserole, Old Bay seasoning, creamy crab bake

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/easy-seafood-delight-for-beginner-cooks-recipe/