Deliciously Easy Crab Imperial Recipe
Crab Imperial is a classic, elegant dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. This Maryland-style recipe is incredibly creamy, savory, and loaded with the natural sweetness of fresh jumbo lump crab meat. It’s ideal as a luxurious appetizer or a delicious main course alongside your favorite sides. With a golden-baked finish and a hint of spice, this dish will surely impress!
Crab Imperial Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt-free lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the Imperial Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, egg, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and salt-free lemon pepper seasoning. Stir well until you have a smooth mixture. - Add the Crab Meat
Gently fold the crab meat into the prepared sauce, being careful not to break up the lumps. This helps preserve the texture of the dish, making each bite full of rich crab flavor. - Bake
Transfer the crab mixture into a small casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for an additional 1 minute to achieve a golden, slightly crisped top. - Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Tips for Perfect Crab Imperial
- Use Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: Jumbo lump crab gives this dish its signature texture and flavor. While pricier, it’s worth it for an authentic, luxurious experience.
- Adjust Spice Level: For a spicier kick, increase the hot sauce or sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into the mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Crab Imperial with a fresh garden salad, crusty bread, or over a bed of mixed greens for a light and flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
Crab Imperial is a refined yet easy-to-make recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a seafood masterpiece. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or an upscale gathering, this dish offers an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors and savor each bite of this timeless classic!
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Crab Imperial
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Crab Imperial is a timeless classic that brings the rich, sweet flavor of jumbo lump crab meat to center stage. Blended with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and hints of Old Bay seasoning, this dish bakes to perfection, achieving a golden, slightly crispy finish under the broiler. Fresh parsley and lemon add a bright note, making each bite wonderfully balanced.
Ingredients
1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp salt-free lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, Old Bay seasoning, egg, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and salt-free lemon pepper seasoning until smooth.
Gently fold the crab meat into the mayo mixture, being careful not to break up the lumps.
Transfer the crab mixture to a small casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for an additional 1 minute for a golden top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250