Imitation Crabmeat Imperial
Imitation Crabmeat Imperial is a delightful seafood dish featuring tender lump crabmeat combined with a savory vegetable sauté. Flavored with Old Bay seasoning, mustard, and hot sauce, it's perfect for seafood lovers seeking a quick, flavorful appetizer or light main course that highlights fresh flavors with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimiento, drained
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- dash of hot sauce ⓘ
- dash of red pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 pound fresh lump imitation crabmeat, drained and flaked ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped green pepper, chopped celery, and drained diced pimiento in melted butter in a large skillet until tender.
- Stir in chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, prepared mustard, hot sauce, and red pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For an enhanced flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the mixture before baking. If you don't have Old Bay seasoning, a blend of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper can serve as a good substitute. You can also use canned crabmeat if fresh lump imitation crabmeat is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
This Imitation Crabmeat Imperial can be served in individual ramekins as a delightful appetizer or as part of a seafood platter. It pairs beautifully with Good Quick Hot Rolls for a complete meal. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables would complement it well.
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 at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Imitation Crabmeat Imperial contains roughly 222 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% 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 real crabmeat instead of imitation crabmeat?
Yes, you can use real crabmeat for a richer flavor. Just make sure to drain and flake it well, adjusting the seasoning to taste since real crab can be saltier.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
It's not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the crabmeat may change upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a couple of days.
What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread. You might also consider serving it with rice or a vegetable medley for a more substantial meal.
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).