Heavenly Crab Imperial Recipe: Fancy Yet Simple Seafood Magic

Coastal summers burst with rich, succulent seafood delights, and this classic crab imperial recipe delivers pure maritime magic.

Maryland’s beloved dish captures ocean-fresh flavors in every luxurious bite.

Tender lump crab meat gets nestled in a creamy, perfectly seasoned imperial sauce that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds.

Each forkful promises a restaurant-quality experience straight from your kitchen.

The recipe balances delicate crab with robust seasonings, creating an elegant entrée that shines at dinner parties or intimate meals.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this timeless preparation for its simplicity and unparalleled taste.

Dive into this seafood sensation and experience coastal cuisine at its finest.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 21 minutes

Total Time: 31 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Crab Imperial

• Mayonnaise: Creates a silky, rich foundation that binds the ingredients and adds luxurious texture.
• Mustard: Provides a tangy kick that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Helps to stabilize and set the mixture, ensuring a perfect consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces depth and umami with its complex, savory notes.
• Hot Sauce: Adds a subtle warmth and exciting flavor dimension.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood blend that brings signature coastal flavor.
• Salt-Free Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Offers bright, zesty notes without excess sodium.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color, lightness, and a clean, herbaceous touch.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with its citrusy tang and helps balance richness.

• Crab Meat: Premium, delicate protein that should be fresh, lump style for best texture and authentic maritime taste.

Tools for Cooking Crab Imperial at Home

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for blending creamy ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk or fork: Ideal for combining mayo mixture until silky.
• Rubber spatula: Helps fold crab meat gently without breaking delicate lumps.
• Small casserole dish: Provides the perfect vessel for baking and serving.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Broiler-safe dish: Allows for that gorgeous golden-brown top.
• Cutting board: Handy for chopping fresh parsley and slicing lemon wedges.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise herb and lemon preparation.

How to Prepare Classic Crab Imperial

• Ocean's Treasure Preparation

Fresh, delicate crab meat transforms into a luxurious coastal dish that captures seaside memories and culinary elegance.

• Creamy Flavor Foundation

Blend smooth condiments and zesty seasonings into a harmonious mixture that will elevate the delicate seafood’s natural sweetness.

• Gentle Crab Incorporation

Tenderly fold the succulent crab pieces through the creamy mixture, preserving those gorgeous, full meat chunks that promise texture and taste.

• Baking Magic

Nestle the seafood creation into a cozy baking dish, allowing heat to transform the ingredients into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that whispers of maritime charm.

• Final Flourish

Emerge the dish from the oven with a perfectly bronzed surface, then crown with bright green parsley sprigs and tangy citrus wedges for a restaurant-quality presentation that delights the senses.

Flavor Tips for Your Crab Imperial

• Opt for jumbo lump or backfin crab meat depending on your texture preference and budget.
• Experiment with additional seasonings like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or fresh dill to enhance the flavor profile.
• Prepare the crab imperial mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.
• Enjoy as a standalone dish, stuff into mushroom caps, or serve over toasted brioche for a luxurious appetizer or main course.
• Repurpose any remaining crab imperial as a delicious topping for grilled fish or mixed into scrambled eggs for a decadent breakfast.

Crab Imperial: Serving Ideas That Work

• Seafood Dinner Companions: Crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the rich, delicate crab flavors.
• Starch Side Partners: Buttery herbed rice or roasted baby potatoes create a perfect textural balance alongside the creamy imperial crab.
• Elegant Wine Pairings: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Chardonnay enhance the delicate seafood's subtle nuances, cutting through the creamy sauce with bright acidity.
• Elegant Bread Choices: Toasted artisan sourdough or delicate water crackers provide a wonderful crunch and neutral base for enjoying the luxurious crab imperial.

Keeping Crab Imperial Fresh for Later

• Fresh Seafood Selection: Choose high-quality lump or jumbo lump crab meat from reputable seafood markets, ensuring maximum flavor and texture for your dish.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Crab Imperial in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, keeping the delicate seafood fresh and safe to enjoy later.
• Freezing Recommendations: While best consumed immediately, you can freeze prepared Crab Imperial for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, separating portions for easier thawing.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this elegant seafood dish with light sides like crisp green salads, roasted asparagus, or herb-infused rice to complement the rich, creamy crab mixture.

Succulent Crab Imperial Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent crab imperial emerges as Maryland’s coastal culinary treasure, showcasing premium blue crab meat in a rich, creamy sauce. Coastal kitchens celebrate this classic dish with elegant simplicity and regional seafood pride.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) jumbo lump crab meat
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ½ tsp salt-free lemon pepper seasoning

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing the perfect thermal environment for the imperial crab creation.
2. Flavor Fusion: Blend mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, egg, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and lemon pepper into a harmonious mixture, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
3. Crab Integration: Gently fold crab meat into the seasoned mixture, carefully maintaining the integrity of the delicate seafood lumps to preserve their natural texture and character.
4. Baking Composition: Transfer the maritime mixture into a casserole dish, distributing evenly to ensure consistent heat penetration and flavor distribution throughout the preparation.
5. Thermal Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to warm through and meld their distinctive flavors into a cohesive culinary experience.
6. Final Flourish: Activate the broiler to create a golden-brown crust, transforming the surface into a crisp, appetizing layer that adds visual and textural complexity to the dish.
7. Presentation Finale: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with vibrant lemon wedges, enhancing the imperial crab’s natural maritime essence and providing a bright, citrusy counterpoint.

Notes

• Preserve Crab Lumps: Fold the crab meat gently to maintain large, delicate meat chunks, avoiding excessive mixing that could break the delicate seafood texture.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust hot sauce and Old Bay carefully to complement the crab’s natural sweetness without overpowering its delicate flavor profile.
• Broiling Precision: Watch the dish closely during the final broiling stage to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the delicate seafood surface.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Crab Imperial right after cooking to experience the optimal temperature, texture, and flavor of the freshly prepared dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 21 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg