Snappers Crab Stew
A rich and creamy crab stew featuring tender vegetables, seasoned with Old Bay and spices, perfect for seafood lovers seeking comforting, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup finely chopped carrots ⓘ
- 3/4 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 4 cups heavy cream or half and half ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 pound lump crab meat, picked over ⓘ
Instructions
- In a kettle, cook the carrots, celery, and onion in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the flour and cook the roux, stirring, for 3 minutes.
- Add milk, cream, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, cayenne, Old Bay seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; simmer and stir for 8 to 10 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
- Add crab meat; cook mixture, stirring for 1 minute, and discard the bay leaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after cooking the roux. If you don't have lump crab meat, you can use crab claw meat or even shrimp as a substitute. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half. Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially the cayenne for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab stew in bowls with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad or steamed asparagus pairs nicely to balance the richness. For a delightful appetizer, consider serving it alongside Mildred'S Seafood Casserole to create a seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snappers Crab Stew contains roughly 1015 calories, with 24g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (111% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1357mg per serving (59% 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 stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stew a day in advance. Just make sure to add the crab meat right before serving to maintain its delicate texture. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier!
What can I serve with this crab stew?
This stew pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread or warm biscuits to soak up the creamy broth. For a more substantial meal, serve it over rice or pasta.
Is it possible to freeze the crab stew?
While you can freeze the stew, it's best to do so without the crab meat. Freeze the base mixture and then add fresh crab when reheating. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the crab, ensuring a better final dish.
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).