I still remember the first time I tried stuffed crab at a family seafood boil. The tender, flaky crab meat combined with a savory, buttery filling felt like pure comfort food.
Since then, I’ve perfected my own version, and I’m excited to share it with you. This stuffed crab recipe captures that same deliciousness, with a little added elegance.
The secret is in the perfect balance of flavors—sweet crab meat, creamy breadcrumbs, garlic, and onions, with just a hint of citrus to brighten it all up.
It’s no wonder this dish has become popular lately, especially since it’s easy to make restaurant-quality stuffed crab at home. And let’s not forget, crab is a lean protein that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
Why I Love This Recipe?
- It’s a classic coastal treat: Stuffed crab reminds me of summer dinners by the beach, and it brings that same fresh, ocean flavor right to your kitchen.
- Prep ahead convenience: You can make the filling in advance, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
- Healthier than you think: Packed with protein and low in fat, this crab dish gives you the best of both worlds—indulgent flavor without the guilt.
- Customizable for any occasion: Whether I’m serving it as an appetizer or the main course, it always impresses. You can even add a touch of spice for extra heat!
Coastal Stuffed Crab Recipe
Stuffed Crab is a delightful seafood dish featuring a mix of cooked crab meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. It's easy to prepare by stuffing the mixture into cleaned crab shells, brushing with melted butter, and baking until golden. Perfect for a special occasion or a tasty treat anytime!
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Calories: 280kcal
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Brush for butter
Ingredients
- 4 whole crabs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean and prep the crabs by removing the top shell and cleaning out the insides.
- Combine cooked crab meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Stuff each crab cavity with the filling, ensuring even distribution and compactness.
- Brush melted butter over the stuffed crabs for added flavor and browning.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the stuffed crabs for 20-25 minutes until thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
- Let the stuffed crabs cool for a few minutes before serving with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and your favorite seafood sauce or aioli. Enjoy the succulent crab meat and flavorful filling!
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 1mg
Possible Variations With This Recipe!
Want to try something new with your stuffing crab recipe? Of course! You can attempt these simple additions and swaps:
- Crumbs from Bread: Don’t fret if you run out of cracker crumbs. Substituting bread crumbs for regular flour results in a slightly different texture.
- Seasoning: Feel free to use your preferred seasoning! Use what you have, whether that’s Old Bay, Creole seasoning, or even just salt and pepper.
- Want to turn up the heat? For an additional kick, add some red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Looking to enhance the texture and flavor of your shrimp dish? Toss the stuffing mixture with chopped shrimp.
- For a creamier filling, you can substitute cream cheese for Parmesan in some recipes. If you’re in the mood for some excitement, try it out!
- Pay Attention to Texture: Tailor the stuffing to your preference based on whether you want firm or crumbly crab meat. What matters most is your personal preference.
- Flavor Enhancement: Mustard seed and celery seed are essential additions. They give your stuffing mix more dimension.
- To enhance the flavor of your stuffed crabs, sprinkle some olive oil over them before cooking.
Favorable Servings with Stuffed Crab!
