Captain John'S Crab Stew
Captain John's Crab Stew offers a hearty, flavorful blend of crab, bacon, potatoes, and onions, perfect for seafood lovers seeking comfort in a spicy, creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. crab meat ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 4 to 5 large potatoes, pared and diced ⓘ
- 2 to 3 large onions, diced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1 pt. half and half ⓘ
- 1 pt. milk ⓘ
- 4 to 8 drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 4 tsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute bacon in a large heavy saucepan until crisp.
- Remove bacon from pan and set aside.
- Cook potatoes and onions in bacon grease until golden brown.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, water, salt, and celery salt; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir frequently during simmering.
- Add crab meat, half and half, milk, and hot sauce; simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add extra milk if the stew becomes too thick.
- Serve in large bowls topped with cracker pepper and chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using lump crab meat instead of regular crab meat. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be a great substitute. To enhance the stew's depth, try adding a splash of white wine while simmering. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also be used in place of parsley for a different twist. Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab stew in large bowls, topped with freshly cracked pepper and chopped parsley for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal. For a complete dining experience, consider serving it alongside a light salad like Mom'S Salad or a refreshing drink to balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens, add a little more milk or half and half to achieve the desired consistency. Avoid boiling to preserve the crab meat's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Captain John'S Crab Stew contains roughly 865 calories, with 29g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (187% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), and potassium (95% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1535mg per serving (67% 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, frozen crab meat is a convenient alternative and can be used in this stew. Just thaw it completely before adding it to the dish. Make sure to drain any excess liquid to maintain the stew's consistency and flavor.
Is there a way to make this stew spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of hot pepper sauce according to your taste preference. Additionally, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the cooking process for an extra kick.
What can I serve with crab stew?
Crab stew pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, such as a light vinaigrette salad, or some crusty bread for dipping. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty grain dish for a fuller meal.
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).