Baked Crab Imperial
Creamy and flavorful baked crab Imperial features tender crab meat topped with a rich sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant dinners. Easy to prepare and impress guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gently combine crab meat, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce; then set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, evaporated milk, dry mustard, and flour; cook until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Place crab mixture into individual baking dishes.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the crab meat without stirring.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400° to 425°F for 20 minutes.
- Optionally, top with cheese before baking for extra richness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. If you want to enhance the flavor, try using Old Bay seasoning instead of salt and pepper. If fresh crab is unavailable, lump crab meat or canned crab meat can work as substitutes. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from canned crab to avoid a watery dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Crab Imperial with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Oyster Stew for a seafood-inspired dinner. For a more casual presentation, you can serve it in small ramekins as an appetizer alongside crackers or toasted bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Baked Crab Imperial in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crab rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Crab Imperial contains roughly 303 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 720mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before combining with the other ingredients. This will ensure the dish isn't watery and maintains its intended flavor and texture.
What type of cheese works best as a topping?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for topping Baked Crab Imperial due to its melting qualities and rich flavor. However, you can also use Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different taste. Just sprinkle the cheese on top before baking for an extra creamy finish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crab mixture and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine and bake as instructed. This makes it convenient for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).