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Crab Brûlée Recipe

Crab Brûlée

5 from 7 votes
Try this luxurious Crab Brûlée! A creamy, savory crab custard with a perfectly caramelized topping, ideal for an elegant appetizer or indulgent treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crab Brûlée
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup lump crab meat picked over for shells
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Topping
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
  • A pinch of nutmeg for added depth
  • 1 tbsp minced chives for a fresh oniony kick
Substitutions
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and almond milk as substitutes for the cream and milk and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Place four 4-ounce ramekins in a baking dish and set aside.
Prepare the Custard Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, and egg yolks until smooth.
  2. Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Incorporate the Crab Meat
  1. Gently fold the lump crab meat into the custard mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed without breaking the delicate crab pieces.
Fill the Ramekins
  1. Divide the crab custard mixture evenly among the ramekins.
  2. Place the baking dish with the ramekins into the oven.
  3. Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish, filling it halfway up the sides of the ramekins to create a water bath.
Bake the Brûlée
  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  2. Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool for 10 minutes.
Caramelize the Topping
  1. Sprinkle the tops of each custard with a thin, even layer of sugar and grated Parmesan.
  2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
  3. Alternatively, you can broil the ramekins for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve your Crab Brûlée warm as an appetizer or a luxurious side dish.
  2. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 250-300
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 2g
 

Notes/Advice:

  • Additions/Subtractions:
    • For a richer flavor, use all heavy cream instead of a mix with milk.
    • Adjust the seasoning to taste—add more paprika or cayenne if you like bolder flavors.
    • Ensure the crab meat is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the custard.