Chesapeake Imperial Crab
Chesapeake Imperial Crab offers a rich, creamy blend of crab meat seasoned with spices and topped with paprika, making it perfect for seafood lovers. Its luscious texture and flavorful profile suit elegant appetizers or casual gatherings, served hot or chilled for versatile enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped canned pimento
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- Paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1 pound fresh or frozen lump crab meat or 2.5 ounces canned crab meat ⓘ
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine mayonnaise, egg, green pepper, pimento, dry mustard, salt, white pepper, and poultry seasoning.
- Add crab meat; stir carefully into mixture.
- Divide mixture between 4 cleaned crab shells or individual casseroles, heaping mixture lightly.
- Top with a thin coating of mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot or chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade mayonnaise instead of store-bought. If you don't have lump crab meat, claw meat or even canned crab meat can be used as a substitute, though fresh is preferred for its texture. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste preference. If you want an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chesapeake Imperial Crab as an appetizer at your next gathering, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. It pairs beautifully with Seafood Treat and is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a refreshing coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chesapeake Imperial Crab can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold, which can enhance the flavors, especially if paired with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chesapeake Imperial Crab contains roughly 182 calories, with 6g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1804mg per serving (78% 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 imitation crab meat in this recipe?
Yes, imitation crab meat can be used as a more affordable alternative, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. If using imitation crab, ensure it's thoroughly mixed to avoid clumping, and season to taste for a more authentic taste.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just fill the crab shells or casseroles right before baking to ensure they remain fresh. This makes it convenient for parties or special occasions.
What can I serve with Chesapeake Imperial Crab?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light green salad, garlic bread, or even a simple pasta dish. For a themed meal, you could include other seafood recipes to offer a delightful feast.
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).