Description
This savory crab brûlée recipe combines tender crab meat with a creamy custard base and a crisp caramelized topping. An elegant and flavorful dish inspired by classic crème brûlée, perfect for special occasions, appetizers, or refined meals at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh crab meat (lump or Dungeness)
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cognac (optional)
- 4 teaspoons brown sugar (for caramelized topping)
- Chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add Old Bay seasoning, nutmeg, salt, white pepper, and optional cognac. Mix gently.
- Carefully fold in the crab meat, keeping the pieces intact.
- Divide the mixture evenly between 4 ramekins, leaving space at the top.
- Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish and pour hot water halfway up the sides.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the custards are set but slightly soft in the center.
- Remove from the water bath and let cool, then refrigerate for 2–4 hours.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each custard and caramelize with a kitchen torch or broiler.
- Garnish with chives and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality crab meat for best flavor and texture. Avoid overbaking to keep the custard smooth and creamy. Always caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Seafood Recipes
- Method: Baking (Water Bath)
- Cuisine: French-Inspired / Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: savory crab brulee recipe, crab brulee, crab custard recipe, savory creme brulee, seafood brulee, crab appetizer