Baked Stuffed Crab

Ingredients

• 4 large crabs 4 large crabs
• 1 pound (450g) crab meat 1 pound (450g) crab meat
• 1 cup (240ml) breadcrumbs 1 cup (240ml) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup (120ml) onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) bell pepper, finely chopped 1/2 cup (120ml) bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) celery, finely chopped 1/4 cup (60ml) celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (60ml) parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon (15ml) thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon (5ml) Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) paprika 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) paprika
• 1/4 cup (60ml) butter, melted 1/4 cup (60ml) butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Clean the crabs thoroughly, removing the top shell and gills. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, parsley, thyme, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, paprika, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff each crab shell generously with the mixture, pressing it firmly to ensure it stays intact during baking.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed crabs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Baked Stuffed Crabs hot as a main course or as an appetizer.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Crab meat — Ensure that the crab meat is fresh and free from any shells. If using canned crab meat, drain it well before incorporating it into the stuffing mixture.
• Cajun seasoning — You can either use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own by combining spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe.
• Serve the Baked Stuffed Crab with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrusy flavor.
• If you can't find fresh crabs, you can use crab shells or ramekins to bake the stuffing mixture.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the stuffing.

Serving advice

Serve the Baked Stuffed Crab as a main course accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Baked Stuffed Crabs on a platter, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprig of fresh thyme. The golden brown crust and the vibrant colors of the stuffing will make for an enticing presentation.