Crab Brulee Recipe

This Crab Brulee is a luxurious and savory twist on the classic dessert, featuring creamy crab filling with a crispy caramelized top. Perfect for special occasions or as an impressive appetizer, this dish combines the sweetness of crab with the richness of a brulee.

Yield: 4 servings

crab brulee recipe

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place a large baking dish inside and fill it halfway with water to create a water bath.
  2. Prepare Crab Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cream cheese, egg yolks, lemon juice, chives, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps.
  4. Fill Ramekins: Divide the crab mixture evenly among four 6-ounce ramekins.
  5. Bake in Water Bath: Place the ramekins in the water bath in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool and Chill: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled.
  7. Caramelize the Top: Just before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each ramekin. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar and cheese until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Serve: Allow the caramelized top to cool for a minute before serving. Garnish with additional chives if desired.

Cooking time: 30-35 minutes (plus chilling time)

Tips:

  • Ensure your crab meat is fresh and free from any shell fragments for the best texture and flavor.
  • A kitchen torch works best for achieving a perfectly caramelized top, but a broiler can be used in a pinch.
  • Serve with crusty bread or crackers for an extra touch of elegance.

Enjoy this unique and sophisticated Crab Brulee as a delightful start to any special meal!

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