Buddy'S Stuffed Crabs
Buddy's Stuffed Crabs features tender crab meat combined with flavorful herbs and spices, baked in crab shells for a savory seafood appetizer or main course perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine green onions, celery, green bell pepper, and parsley.
- Add crab meat, bread crumbs, beaten egg, milk, margarine, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and liquid crab boil to the vegetable mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the crab shells, filling each shell completely.
- Place stuffed crab shells on a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned on top.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or main dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh crab meat instead of canned. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute the margarine with olive oil. Additionally, if you don’t have crab boil, a pinch of Old Bay seasoning works well. Ensure the crab shells are clean and dry before filling them for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed crabs make a delightful appetizer or main dish. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to complement the flavors. A crisp white wine or a light beer pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the seafood experience. For more delicious seafood options, browse our collection of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed crabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the filling dry and rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buddy'S Stuffed Crabs contains roughly 237 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 freeze the stuffed crabs?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed crabs before baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of crab meat?
If you're looking for a substitute for crab meat, consider using cooked shrimp or lobster for a similar seafood flavor. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, you could use finely chopped mushrooms or artichoke hearts mixed with additional seasonings to create a flavorful filling.
How do I prevent the filling from being too dry?
To keep the filling moist, ensure you add enough milk and margarine to the mixture. If needed, you can also increase the amount of egg or add a splash of seafood broth. Mixing the ingredients gently will also help maintain moisture without overworking the crab meat.
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).