Crabmeat Mousse
Crabmeat mousse offers a smooth, flavorful spread combining tender crab, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party dish, it pairs well with crispy wonton chips or fresh avocado slices, appealing to seafood lovers and those seeking sophisticated, light bites.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- 3 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh or frozen chives ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh lump crabmeat, drained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup whipping cream, whipped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 limes, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 avocados, peeled and mashed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice ⓘ
- 12 wonton wrappers ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
- salt ⓘ
- 24 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Arrange wonton wrappers on a cookie sheet and brush both sides with melted butter.
- Cut each wrapper diagonally into four triangles.
- Bake in the oven for 3 minutes.
- Turn the wrappers over and bake for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using crème fraîche instead of sour cream in the mousse mixture. Fresh crabmeat is ideal, but canned or frozen crab can be substituted in a pinch. Ensure to drain any excess liquid. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mousse. Also, when preparing the wontons, keep an eye on them while baking to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crabmeat mousse chilled on a platter garnished with lime slices and fresh herbs. Pair it with crispy wonton chips for a delightful crunch. This dish also goes well with a refreshing salad or as part of a seafood appetizer spread, perfect for entertaining or a special occasion. It pairs beautifully with Connie'S Shrimp Chowder for a delightful seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The wonton chips can be kept in a separate container to maintain their crispness. If the mousse thickens too much after refrigeration, gently stir in a tablespoon of cream to restore its consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabmeat Mousse contains roughly 883 calories, with 85g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (614% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (331% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2148mg per serving (93% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The mousse can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to cover it well and refrigerate. The wonton chips can also be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
What can I substitute if I don't have fresh crabmeat?
If fresh crabmeat is unavailable, you can use canned crabmeat or even imitation crab. However, fresh crab will provide the best flavor and texture. If using canned, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your mousse.
How do I ensure the gelatin sets properly?
To ensure the gelatin sets correctly, bloom it in cold water for about 5 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients. Make sure your mixture is not too warm when adding the gelatin, as high temperatures can prevent it from setting properly.
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).