Craving something unique and gourmet? This Crab Brulee Recipe is the perfect blend of creamy decadence and savory flavors, giving a surprising twist to a classic dish. Imagine the silky texture of a custard infused with fresh crab meat, topped with the satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar. It’s a dish that not only impresses guests but also elevates your culinary skills. Ideal for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers and adventurous eaters alike.
Medium
Level
15min
Prep time
30min
Cooking time
45min
Total time
4 Servings
Servings
Table of Contents
What is Crab Brulee Recipe ?
Crab Brulee Recipe is a savory twist on the classic crème brûlée, blending the creamy texture of a custard with the rich, delicate flavors of fresh crab meat. Unlike its sweet counterpart, this dish is infused with savory ingredients like Parmesan, garlic, and spices, creating a luxurious balance of flavors. The signature caramelized sugar topping adds a delightful crunch, offering a contrast to the smooth custard below. Perfect as an appetizer or a gourmet main course, Crab Brulee Recipe is a dish that showcases culinary creativity and elevates seafood to new heights.
Please scroll down to below recipe card for exact measurements. ↓
Why You’ll Love This Crab Brulee Recipe
- Elegant and unique: Perfect for special occasions and impressing guests.
- Simple yet gourmet: Easy to follow, yet yields a dish worthy of a fine dining experience.
- Flavor explosion: Combines creamy custard with the rich taste of fresh crab and the crunch of caramelized sugar.
- Versatile: Can be served as an appetizer or a light main course
- Culinary Innovation: Transforms the classic sweet brulee into a sophisticated savory experience, challenging traditional culinary boundaries and offering a surprising gastronomic journey for adventurous food enthusiasts.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer with a side of mixed greens or crusty bread.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Add micro greens or a drizzle of truffle oil for elegant plating.
Ingredients for Crab Brulee Recipe and Substitutions
To create a luxurious and savory Crab Brulee, you’ll need:
- 1.5 cups Dungeness Crab Meat (approximately 1 whole crab, cooked and separated)
For the Custard Mixture:
- 3 cups Heavy Cream
- 6 Egg Yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
For the Caramelized Sugar Crust:
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 3.5 teaspoons Sugar
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite crab variety, adjust the seasonings to suit your palate, or swap Old Bay for another seafood-friendly spice mix.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Ramekins (4)
- Baking dish (for water bath)
- Kitchen torch (for caramelizing sugar)
Alternative Options:
- Use oven broiler if you don’t have a torch.
How to make The Crab Brulee Recipe
Cook the Crab: Boil 1 liter of water, add the crab, and cook for 20 minutes. Remove, separate the meat, and set aside.
Prepare the Custard: Simmer cream, salt, pepper, and Old Bay over medium-low heat until combined. Cool slightly.
Mix Eggs: Whisk egg yolks and sugar, then slowly blend in the cream mixture while stirring.
Assemble: Divide crab meat into five ramekins, then pour the custard mixture, filling them 3/4 full.
Bake: Place ramekins in a water-filled baking pan and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 35–45 minutes. Cool, then refrigerate.
Caramelize: Sprinkle sugar and salt on top, torch until golden brown.
Serve: Garnish with crab meat and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crab Brulee Recipe
- Avoid Overcooking: Check the custard frequently to ensure it remains creamy and doesn’t curdle.
- Caramelize with Care: Use a gentle flame to avoid burning the sugar.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the custard a day ahead and caramelize just before serving.
Storage and Freezing
- Storage: Store any remaining food in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a maximum of two days..
- Freezing: Avoid freezing as the custard may separate upon thawing.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven, but avoid reheating the brûlée topping.
Recipe Variations of the Crab Brulee Recipe
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a small amount of sriracha or chili flakes to enhance the spiciness
- Lobster Brûlée: Swap crab for lobster meat for a luxurious twist.
Nutrition Information for the Crab Brulee Recipe (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 47g
More Recipes to Try
- 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Butternut Squash
- Foolproof French Crepe: Tips For The Perfect Soft Texture
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips: Crispy, Healthy & Delicious
To discover additional recipes, we invite you to follow us on Facebook.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned crab for this recipe?
A: Yes, but fresh crab will provide a better flavor and texture.
Q: Can I skip the caramelized sugar topping?
A: While optional, the sugar adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Q: How can I tell when the custard is finished?
A: The custard should jiggle slightly in the center when shaken but appear set around the edges.
Crab Brulee Recipe: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Dessert
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Ramekins
- Baking dish (for water bath)
- Kitchen torch (for caramelizing sugar)
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Dungeness Crab Meat approximately 1 whole crab, cooked and separated
- For the Custard Mixture:
- 3 cups Heavy Cream
- 6 Egg Yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
- For the Caramelized Sugar Crust:
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 3.5 teaspoons Sugar
Instructions
- Cook Your Crab:
- In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add your whole Dungeness crab and cook for about 20 minutes. Once done, remove from the pot and carefully separate the meat from the shell. Set the meat aside for later use.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine heavy cream, salt, white pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the cream and seasonings are fully incorporated. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly until it’s just warm.
- Mix the Egg Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the whisked eggs while stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- Assemble the Ramekins:
- Place five ceramic ramekins on a baking tray. Add about 1/4 cup of crab meat to each ramekin. Fill the ramekins with the custard mixture until they are about 3/4 full.
- Bake the Crab Brûlée:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the ramekins on a baking pan, then fill the pan with hot water until the water level reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 35–45 minutes or until the custard is set and the surface appears slightly firm. Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Caramelize the Sugar Crust:
- When ready to serve, mix the sugar and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of this mixture on top of each brûlée. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the topping until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- For added presentation, garnish with a bit of leftover crab meat. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, savory delicacy!
