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crab brulee recipe

Crab Brûlée

Indulge in this Irresistible Crab Brulee Recipe, a luxurious blend of creamy custard and sweet crab meat, finished with a perfectly caramelized crust. This gourmet dish is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for elegant dinners, special occasions, or when you want to impress your guests with something unique.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine French, Seafood
Servings 2
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients Serves 4
  • 1 cup fresh crab meat lump or claw meat – Adds sweet, delicate seafood flavor
  • 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a smooth creamy texture
  • 3 large egg yolks – Essential for a rich custard base
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty umami depth
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped – Brings mild sweetness and complexity
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Enhances the savory flavors
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest – Brightens the dish with a hint of citrus
  • Salt and white pepper to taste – For seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – For the caramelized top
  • Substitutes & Variations
  • Seafood Alternatives: Use lobster or shrimp instead of crab
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream
  • Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap crab for sautéed mushrooms or leeks.

Notes

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Custard Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Dijon mustard, chopped shallots, salt, and white pepper.
  4. Slowly pour the warm cream into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

2️⃣ Add the Crab and Cheese

  1. Gently fold in the crab meat and grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Pour the mixture evenly into 4 small ramekins.

3️⃣ Bake the Brulee

  1. Place the ramekins into a deep baking dish.
  2. Fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath.
  3. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center.
  4. Remove from the oven, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

4️⃣ Caramelize the Top

  1. Sprinkle ½ tablespoon of sugar evenly over each ramekin.
  2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crisp.
  3. Let sit for 1–2 minutes before serving.