Creole Crab And Rice
A flavorful Creole crab and rice dish featuring tomatoes, Cajun spices, and fresh crab meat, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a savory, spicy meal.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 1 small onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 6 oz can crab meat, drained ⓘ
- 8 oz fresh crab meat ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice until tender and set aside.
- Melt margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced onion and chopped green bell pepper; cook until translucent.
- Stir in canned tomatoes with juice, Cajun seasoning, pepper, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and ground cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove the bay leaf from the mixture.
- Stir in cooked rice and drained crab meat.
- Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of fresh crab meat and imitation crab meat. If you don't have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano can work well. Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to achieve the best texture. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creole Crab and Rice with a wedge of lemon for an added zesty flavor. It pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea. Consider adding a side of sautéed green beans or a simple coleslaw to balance the meal. For a seafood feast, browse more seafood recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a crab salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Crab And Rice contains roughly 523 calories, with 15g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 843mg per serving (37% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat if you thaw it properly before adding it to the recipe. Just ensure it's fully drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Fresh crab meat offers the best flavor, but frozen is a convenient alternative and still delicious.
What can I substitute for the rice?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great substitutes. For a heartier dish, try using brown rice or farro, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary. Adjust the liquid amounts accordingly to ensure proper texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce along with the Cajun seasoning. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving. Adjust the spice level according to your personal preference to enjoy a bit of a kick!
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).