If you’re a seafood lover, then deviled crab in shell is a dish you can’t afford to miss. This delicious dish combines the sweetness of crabmeat with a savory and slightly spicy filling, all baked to golden perfection inside the crab shells. It’s a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or even as a main course.
To make deviled crab in shell, you’ll need fresh crabmeat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onions, bell peppers, celery, parsley, and a few spices. The key to a great deviled crab is using high-quality crabmeat that has been carefully picked to remove any shells or cartilage. The combination of flavors from the vegetables, seasoning, and spices adds depth and richness to the dish.
Start by sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and celery until they’re tender and fragrant. Then, mix the cooked vegetables with the crabmeat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and spices in a bowl. This mixture will serve as the filling for the crab shells. Once the filling is well combined, generously spoon it into the crab shells, making sure to pack it in tightly.
Next, preheat your oven to a moderate temperature and place the filled crab shells onto a baking sheet. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy. The deviled crab in shell is now ready to be served and enjoyed! Serve it hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce and some lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Deviled crab in shell is a timeless dish that never fails to impress. With its beautiful presentation and tantalizing flavors, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or dinner party. So why wait? Treat yourself to this exquisite seafood delight and savor every bite of the creamy, spicy, and utterly heavenly deviled crab in shell.
Preparing Deviled Crab
To prepare deviled crab, you will need the following ingredients and tools:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of crab meat
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish
Here is how you can prepare deviled crab:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the crab meat to the mixture and gently fold it in, being careful not to break up the meat too much.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Spoon the crab mixture into the individual crab shells or into the greased baking dish if you prefer not to use shells.
- Place the filled shells or baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the mixture is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now you have a delicious deviled crab dish that is ready to be enjoyed!
Gathering the Ingredients
To cook deviled crab in shell, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 6 cooked crabs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Note: You can adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Cleaning the Crab Shells
Before you can cook deviled crab in the shells, it’s important to properly clean the crab shells. This will help remove any dirt, debris, or unwanted flavors, and ensure that your dish tastes its best.
To clean the crab shells, follow these simple steps:
Steps |
Instructions |
1 | Start by removing the top shell of the crab. You can do this by gently pulling it off with your hands. Be careful not to break the shell. |
2 | Once the top shell is removed, use a crab pick or a small spoon to carefully scrape out the gills and any soft tissues from the inside of the shell. This step is important as it will help remove any remaining unwanted flavors. |
3 | Next, rinse the crab shells under cold water to remove any remaining debris or dirt. You can use a small brush to gently scrub the shells if necessary. |
4 | After rinsing, pat the shells dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Make sure the shells are completely dry before using them to cook deviled crab. |
Once the crab shells are clean and dry, you’re ready to proceed with the recipe for cooking deviled crab in the shells. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
Making the Stuffing
Deviled crab is a delicious dish that is made with a flavorful stuffing. The stuffing is the star of the dish and gives the crab its unique taste. Here is how you can make the stuffing for deviled crab.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of lump crab meat
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of diced onion
- 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the lump crab meat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Using a spatula or your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Once the stuffing is well mixed, taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Your deviled crab stuffing is now ready to be stuffed into the crab shells. The flavorful mixture of ingredients will give your deviled crab a rich and delicious taste. Enjoy!
Stuffing the Crab Shells
Once you have prepared the deviled crab mixture, it’s time to stuff the crab shells. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Clean the Crab Shells
Before stuffing the crab shells, make sure they are clean. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry using a paper towel.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.
Step 3: Fill the Shells
Take a spoonful of the deviled crab mixture and fill each crab shell, pressing gently to ensure it is packed tightly. Fill the shells until they are almost overflowing with the mixture.
Note: If desired, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top of each filled shell for added flavor and texture.
Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the filled crab shells on a greased or lined baking sheet, making sure they are arranged in a single layer. This will ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Bake in the Oven
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the stuffed crab shells for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the mixture is heated through.
Pro Tip: To prevent the crab shells from drying out during baking, you can lightly brush them with melted butter or olive oil before placing them in the oven.
Once the deviled crab in shell is cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an added touch of flavor.
Baking the Deviled Crab
Once you have prepared the deviled crab mixture, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Baking is a great cooking method as it allows the flavors to meld together and the top to develop a delicious golden crust.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is optimal for baking deviled crab as it allows for even cooking and browning.
Fill the Crab Shells
Scoop the deviled crab mixture into the cleaned crab shells. Make sure to evenly distribute the mixture among the shells, filling them to the top.
- Place the filled crab shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking to the sheet and make cleanup easier.
- Spread a thin layer of melted butter over the top of each crab shell. This will enhance the flavor and help the tops to brown nicely.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the buttered tops of the crab shells. The breadcrumbs will create a delicious crunchy texture.
Bake the Deviled Crab
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the deviled crab for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the mixture is heated through.
Keep an eye on the deviled crab while it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become dry. If you notice that the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.
Once the deviled crab is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added presentation.
Now you know how to bake deviled crab in the shell. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful seafood dish!
FAQ
How do I prepare the crabs for deviled crab in shell?
To prepare the crabs for deviled crab in shell, you will need to remove the shells from the crabs and clean them. Then, carefully remove the meat from the shells, making sure to keep the shells intact. Chop the crab meat into small pieces and set aside. Rinse the shells with water and set them aside as well.
How do I make the deviled crab mixture?
To make the deviled crab mixture, combine the chopped crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, minced onion, minced celery, minced green bell pepper, minced parsley, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
How do I cook deviled crab in shell?
To cook deviled crab in shell, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the deviled crab mixture back into the cleaned crab shells. Place the filled shells on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the mixture is heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!