Crab Brulee is a savory alternative to the traditional Creme Brulee recipe. It brings the same rich and creamy texture of a classic creme brule but in a savory version, flavors of fresh crab. If you like crab, this brulee recipe is a unique, flavorful, and easy-to-follow recipe.
The ingredients for this Crab Brulee Recipe are very simple and easy to find. The process is straightforward, too. Basically, You’ll make classic creme brulee with the addition of crab meat. The final layer is a crispy, caramelized sugar topping, just like the traditional crème brûlée you make.
Know your Crab Brûlée Recipe Ingredients
So let us dig deeper into what makes Crab Brule such a masterpiece. In its simplest form, this crab brule consists of a few ingredients that come together harmoniously creating incredibly delicious flavors.
Crab Meat
Crab meat is a versatile ingredient used for making a variety of dishes and it’s perfect for everything from soups to salads to elegant appetizers like crab brûlée. Fresh crab meat is the best for crab creme brule, but you can also use canned or frozen crab, depending on the area, country, and seasons where you live and the availability in the supermarkets.
However, I prefer to use fresh crab meat every time I make it because it tastes much better than canned one.
Heavy cream
The show stopper really! This dreamy creamy component contributes greatly towards making every mouthful heavenly indeed!
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most basic ingredients used in creme brule recipes. They act as a binding agent that holds the other ingredients together and also creates the ideal texture for any recipe.
Lemon Zest
The creme richness is well balanced by lemon zest, which adds some acidity to the flavoring mixes. But it’s optional if you don’t like the lemon zest flavor you can opt for it.
Some amazing Variations to make a Crab Crème Brûlée!
You can add different spices and herbs to enhance your crab brule recipe. There are a lot of amazing variations that you can give to the recipe some of which are:
Spices:
You can add some Old Bay seasoning or if you like spicy then a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Herb Twist:
Add fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or chives to create a herbal twist to your crab brulee. You can stir them into the crab mixture before cooking or sprinkle them on top before cooking.
Cheese Delight:
You can add some grated parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Pro Tips For Making the Best Crab Brulee
You can use different techniques and steps in your crab brule recipe. But here are some tips that will help to make it perfect every time.
Fresh Crab:
Always use fresh crab meat for the best flavor. Canned or frozen can work but it won’t taste as good.
Avoid Overcooking:
The key to any good creme brule is the cooking time if you undercook or overcook it the recipe won’t be perfect. It’s a good idea to follow the exact temperature and baking time to get the best result.
Cool Before Serving:
It is really important to cool down the silky crab crème brûlée recipe for at least a few hours, I prefer to do it overnight otherwise when you use the blow torch to caramelize the sugar the creme will burn very easily.
Recipe Card
Crab Brulee Recipe | A Savory Creme Brûlée Recipe Made with Crab Meat
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160ºC/320ºF.
- In a mixing bowl take 5 egg yolks and set aside.
- Place a saucepan on medium heat and two cups of heavy cream on it and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the salt, black pepper, and grated nutmeg and mix everything well.
- Turn the heat off, and reduce the heat a little then add slowly to the egg yolks while whisking continuously.
- Strain the mixture with a strainer to avoid lumps and for a smoother texture.
- Now add some lemon zest and mix everything well.
- Place four ramekins in a baking dish and add the crab meats to the ramekins. Now add the herbs of your choice I am adding chopped parsley, but you can use chives or cilantro.
- Now pour the creme mixture into the ramekins and fill it to the top while leaving some space.
- Add hot water to the baking tray around 1/3 of the ramekins this water makes the creme brule moist, smooth, and silky.
- Bake them in a preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes at 160ºC/320ºF.
- After 40 minutes take it out from the oven at let it cool to room temperature then cover it with a wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 3 to 4 hours.
- Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the surface of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.
- Serve your crab crème brûlée immediately, savoring the contrast between the creamy custard and the caramelized sugar topping. Enjoy the rich flavors and luxurious textures of this unique recipe.
So, this Crab Creme Brulee recipe is a delicious twist of creme brule, and when you make this fancy savory dessert everyone will be amazed by its taste, creamy texture, and rich crab flavor which is perfect for any occasion. By following these easy tips, you can make a perfect savory crab every time.
Do give it a try and see how simple and yummy it would be. We love to hear how it turns out, so share your experience in the comments below and enjoy it with your friends and family.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use canned crab meat, if you don’t have the availability of fresh meat where you live.
Yes, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Thank you for the excellent article and useful information about the crab recipe.
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Thank you for sharing this recipe