Crab Ala King
Crab Ala King offers a creamy, flavorful seafood dish with tender crab meat and seasoned white sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
- Mix the flour with the melted margarine to form a roux.
- Slowly add the evaporated skim milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add the diced hard-boiled eggs, green pepper, dried onion, salt, and paprika to the sauce.
- Stir in the crab meat and cook until heated through.
- Keep the mixture hot over a double boiler until ready to serve.
- Serve over crisp toast, biscuits, patty shells, or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice. You can replace the King crab with shrimp or lobster if desired. If you want a bit of heat, adding a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavors. When making the roux, whisk continuously to prevent burning, especially when adding the evaporated skim milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crab Ala King over crisp toast, biscuits, or rice for a delightful meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dish. For a more elaborate presentation, consider serving it in puff pastry shells or alongside a side of roasted potatoes, making it perfect for entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the sauce to separate. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Ala King contains roughly 628 calories, with 12g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2324mg per serving (101% 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 canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute canned crab meat for fresh or frozen. Just ensure to drain it well and gently fold it in towards the end of cooking to prevent it from breaking apart too much.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make Crab Ala King healthier, use low-fat margarine or olive oil instead of margarine and opt for whole wheat flour. You can also add more vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition without compromising the flavor.
What type of bread works best for serving?
For serving, a hearty bread like sourdough or a light, flaky biscuit works best to soak up the delicious sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying it with a homemade patty shell for a delightful twist.
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).