Description
A classic, indulgent seafood dish made with tender jumbo lump crabmeat, creamy filling, and a golden panko topping. Crab Imperial is rich, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions or an elegant dinner at home.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease four small ramekins or a 1-quart baking dish.
- In a large bowl, gently combine crabmeat, mayonnaise, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix without breaking up crab lumps.
- Stir in melted butter and parsley until just incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into ramekins or spread evenly in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and optional Parmesan cheese until well-coated.
- Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the crab mixture. Garnish with paprika.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil the last 1–2 minutes for extra browning if desired.
- Serve hot with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Add hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy variation.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Use gluten-free panko and Worcestershire for a gluten-free version.
- Broil briefly for a crispier topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
