Deviled Crabs Plain
Deviled crabs features tender crab meat combined with a creamy, lemon-flavored sauce, topped with buttery bread crumbs. Perfect for seafood lovers and elegant casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the milk and stir in enough soft white bread crumbs to make a fairly thick sauce.
- Add 1/2 stick butter, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to the sauce.
- Stir in the crab meat.
- Melt 1/2 stick of butter and stir in the dry bread crumbs.
- Fill shells with the crab mixture and sprinkle with the buttered crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture. If you don't have soft white bread crumbs, you can substitute with crushed saltine crackers. Ensure the crab meat is fresh or well-drained if canned, to avoid excess moisture in the filling. Using a mixture of butter and olive oil can also enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
These deviled crabs make a delightful main dish and pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of rice or crusty bread. They are also an excellent choice for gatherings, complementing other appetizers like those found in seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crab meat rubbery. For best results, reheat only what you plan to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deviled Crabs Plain contains roughly 737 calories, with 16g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2605mg per serving (113% 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 a different type of crab meat?
Yes, you can substitute with other varieties of crab meat, such as King or Dungeness crab, depending on availability and preference. Just ensure the meat is properly cooked and seasoned, as different types may have varying flavors and textures.
What can I serve alongside the deviled crabs?
These deviled crabs pair well with a light salad or roasted vegetables. Consider serving with a tangy coleslaw or a side of garlic bread to complement the richness of the dish. For a festive occasion, they can also be part of a platter with other seafood appetizers.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including the butter and any seasonings, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).