Here’s a recipe for a delicious Crab Brûlée:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) crab meat (preferably lump crab meat)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- Optional: Paprika and extra chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare Crab Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped chives, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, ensuring it is evenly distributed but not broken up too much.
- Fill Ramekins:
- Divide the mixture evenly among 4-6 small ramekins, depending on size.
- Place the filled ramekins in a baking dish and add hot water to the dish, enough to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins (this creates a water bath).
- Bake:
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Refrigerate:
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Caramelize the Sugar:
- Just before serving, sprinkle about 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each Crab Brûlée.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crispy layer. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the ramekins under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and extra chives for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the contrast between the creamy crab filling and the crunchy caramelized top.
Tips:
- Fresh crab meat is best for this dish, but you can use high-quality canned crab if needed.
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Enjoy your Crab Brûlée!