Crab Imperial(Governor'S Mansion In Annapolis, Maryland)
Crab Imperial offers a rich, creamy seafood experience with delicate crab flavors, perfect for elegant appetizers or special occasions, appealing to seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Maryland crabmeat (preferably backfin) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 slices white bread, cubed and crusts removed ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- few dashes of pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove all cartilage from crabmeat.
- In a medium-sized pan, melt margarine or butter.
- Mix in flour.
- Slowly add milk, stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth and free from lumps.
- Cook, stirring, over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
- Mix in onion, Worcestershire sauce, and bread cubes. Cool.
- Fold in mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of crabmeat types, or substitute with lobster for a luxurious twist. If you're short on time, pre-packaged crabmeat works well, but ensure it's fresh. You can also swap out the white bread for whole grain or gluten-free bread to suit dietary preferences. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crab Imperial warm, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For a full meal, consider serving it alongside Broccoli Casserole With Crab Meat for a delightful seafood experience. A crisp white wine or a light beer complements the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the Crab Imperial in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crabmeat tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Imperial(Governor'S Mansion In Annapolis, Maryland) contains roughly 719 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2722mg per serving (118% 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 crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen crabmeat, but ensure it's fully thawed and drained before use to avoid excess moisture. Fresh crabmeat will yield the best texture and flavor, so if available, opt for that.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise, providing a similar creaminess with added protein. Alternatively, a vegan mayo could work if you're avoiding eggs.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply transfer it to a baking dish and bake until hot. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the day of serving.
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).