Description
Savory crab delight recipe showcases Maryland’s coastal culinary magic with rich seafood flavors. Elegant ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a memorable dining experience you will cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) lump crabmeat
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) 2% milk
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) clam juice
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps flour
- 2 large shallots
- 2 tbsps dry sherry
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3–4 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsps lemon juice (optional)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Crabmeat Preparation: Delicately cleanse crabmeat under cool running water, meticulously removing potential shell fragments and setting aside a portion for garnishing.
- Aromatic Base: In a spacious nonstick pan, gently melt butter and sauté shallots until they become translucent, releasing their delicate fragrance.
- Thickening Foundation: Integrate flour into the shallot-butter mixture, whisking continuously until achieving a light golden roux that will provide luxurious body to the soup.
- Liquid Integration: Gradually introduce clam juice, milk, and heavy cream while perpetually whisking, creating a silky-smooth foundation. Elevate heat to medium, allowing the mixture to approach a gentle simmer with delicate bubbles forming around the pan’s edges.
- Flavor Enhancement: Blend Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, and pepper into the creamy base. Simmer briefly to harmonize the aromatic profile and allow slight thickening.
- Crab Incorporation and Finishing: Gently fold in crabmeat, reducing heat to a low simmer. Stir periodically, then refine the flavor with dry sherry and a hint of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Elegant Presentation: Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls, garnishing with reserved crabmeat, fresh chopped parsley, and a delicate sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a sophisticated culinary finale.
Notes
- Crab Quality Check: Select fresh, high-quality lump or jumbo lump crabmeat for the most delicate, sweet flavor and best texture in the dish.
- Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk continuously when adding liquids to create a smooth, velvety base without unwanted flour clumps or separation.
- Flavor Balancing Tip: Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to achieve a perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and oceanic notes without overwhelming the delicate crab.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after preparation to maintain optimal temperature and preserve the crab’s tender texture and vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg