Grandmother Smith'S Recipe For Crab Meat Imperial
Crab Meat Imperial is a rich, flavorful seafood dish featuring tender crab meat combined with mayonnaise, mustard, and green pepper, baked to perfection—ideal for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fold the crab meat into the mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, chopped green pepper, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Dab more mayonnaise on top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using lump crab meat instead of regular crab meat. If you're short on crab, try substituting with cooked shrimp or a mix of crab and shrimp. To enhance the dish, add some Old Bay seasoning or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you prefer a bit of heat, include a dash of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crab Meat Imperial with a side of crispy green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with baked scalloped oysters for a seafood feast. You can also serve it with crusty bread or crackers to soak up the creamy topping. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crab rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother Smith'S Recipe For Crab Meat Imperial contains roughly 145 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 656mg per serving (29% 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, canned crab meat is a convenient option and can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces. Fresh or frozen crab meat will provide a more delicate flavor and texture, but canned can work in a pinch.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, consider using Greek yogurt or a mixture of sour cream and a bit of mustard. This will give you a creamy texture while reducing calories. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the crab mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply transfer it to a baking dish, top with mayonnaise and paprika, and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for entertaining, as you can save time on the day of your gathering.
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).