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Crab Brulee Recipe

Crab Brulee Recipe

Crab Brûlée is a luxurious twist on savory crème brûlée made with fresh crab meat, cream, herbs, and cheese, finished with a caramelized topping. This elegant appetizer brings together creamy textures and delicate seafood flavor with a crisp brûléed crust for an unforgettable fine-dining experience at home.

  • Total Time: 55 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz fresh lump crab meat (drained and picked through)

1 cup heavy cream

2 egg yolks

1 tbsp shallots (finely minced)

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tsp granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cream until smooth.
  3. Stir in crab meat, shallots, lemon zest, Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour mixture into ramekins and place them in a baking dish filled halfway with hot water.
  5. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Remove from water bath, cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each ramekin and brûlée with a torch or broiler until caramelized.
  8. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use high-quality crab meat for best flavor and texture.
  • For added richness, fold in a teaspoon of cream cheese or mascarpone.
  • If you don’t have a torch, use the broiler—but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Can be made a day ahead and brûléed just before serving.
  • Author: Nevaeh Hall
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Category: Appetizer, Gourmet
  • Method: Baking, Broiling
  • Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg

Keywords: Crab Brûlée, savory crème brûlée, seafood appetizer, crab recipes, French crab dish, fancy appetizer, gourmet crab recipe, baked crab custard, seafood brûlée, elegant dinner starter