Name: Crab Imperial Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, drained and picked over for shells; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced; 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for topping); 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional); Paprika (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crab Imperial is an elegant, comforting seafood dish that combines tender jumbo lump crabmeat with a rich, creamy filling and a golden, crispy panko topping. It’s a decadent and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion, holiday meal, or even a luxurious weeknight dinner. With its savory combination of mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning, it’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. The crunchy panko topping gives each bite a delightful texture, making this a dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Crab Mixture:

1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, drained and picked over for shells
1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellman’s or Duke’s recommended)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

For the Panko Topping:

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Paprika (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease four small ramekins or a 1-quart baking dish.
Prepare the crab mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the crabmeat, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to break up the lumps of crab meat.
Add butter and parsley: Stir in the melted butter and fresh parsley until just incorporated.
Divide the crab mixture: Spoon the crab mixture evenly between the prepared ramekins or spread it out in the 1-quart baking dish.
Make the panko topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter (and Parmesan cheese, if using) until the breadcrumbs are well-coated.
Top the crab mixture: Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the crab mixture. Lightly dust the top with paprika for added color and flavor.
Bake the Crab Imperial: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For extra browning, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Crab Imperial: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the crab mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Crab Imperial: Mix some shredded cheese (like Gruyère or mozzarella) into the crab mixture for a richer, cheesy version.
Vegetable Add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be folded into the crab mixture for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the Crab Imperial in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the texture may not be as crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab?

While it’s not traditional, you can substitute imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option. However, the flavor and texture will be different, so the dish may not have the same rich taste.

2. Can I make Crab Imperial ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crab mixture and panko topping ahead of time, then assemble and bake it when ready to serve. You can refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.

3. What can I serve Crab Imperial with?

Crab Imperial pairs well with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It also goes great with garlic bread for dipping into the creamy filling.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free. Make sure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.

5. Can I use a different type of seafood?

Yes, you can substitute the crab with other seafood like shrimp, lobster, or scallops, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.

6. How do I ensure the crab doesn’t get overcooked?

Since the crabmeat is already cooked, the goal is to just warm it through and brown the top. Be careful not to overbake it, as this could make the crab tough.

7. Can I add cheese to the crab mixture?

Yes, adding cheese like Parmesan or a mild white cheese can enhance the richness of the crab mixture. Just be mindful of the balance between the crab and cheese flavors.

8. Can I make this recipe in a large dish instead of ramekins?

Yes, you can use a larger baking dish and bake the Crab Imperial for 20-25 minutes. If using a 1-quart baking dish, make sure the mixture is spread evenly.

9. Can I freeze Crab Imperial?

Yes, you can freeze Crab Imperial before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.

10. How can I make the topping crunchier?

To achieve an extra crispy topping, you can broil the Crab Imperial for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Conclusion

Crab Imperial is a classic, indulgent seafood dish that brings the perfect blend of creamy and crispy textures. The combination of fresh crabmeat, savory seasonings, and a crunchy panko topping makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy this luxurious treat!