Crab Brulee Recipe
Discover the ultimate crab brulee recipe: a luxurious, creamy seafood dish with a crispy caramelized top. Perfect for special occasions or dinner parties!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup fresh lump crab meat – For the best flavor opt for fresh or high-quality packaged crab meat. Avoid imitation crab for this dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This gives the dish its luxurious creaminess.
- 2 large egg yolks – These help bind the mixture while adding richness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs – Provides a slight texture contrast under the brûlée topping.
- Pinch of nutmeg – A subtle hint of warmth that elevates the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper – To taste. Season carefully to enhance the crab’s natural sweetness.
For the topping:
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar – This creates the signature crackly brûlée layer.
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Set out 4 small ramekins (or any oven-safe dishes) on a baking tray.
Prepare the custard base
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream until smooth.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, a pinch of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the ramekins
- Evenly divide the crab mixture among the ramekins, leaving a small gap at the top to prevent spilling.
Create a water bath
- To ensure even cooking and prevent the custard from cracking, pour hot water into the baking tray until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake to perfection
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Cool and chill
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to firm up.
Add the brûlée topping
- Just before serving, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top of each custard.
- Use a culinary torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown crust. (Alternatively, broil them under your oven’s broiler for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.)
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 4g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Vitamin A: 25% DV
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 8% DV