Imagine a dish that captures the essence of British coastal cuisine in one luxurious bite - the Baked Devilled Cromer Crab is exactly that culinary masterpiece! Straight from the pristine waters of Norfolk, this recipe transforms fresh Cromer crabs into a decadent, golden-crusted delicacy that will make your dinner guests swoon. With its rich, buttery flavor and crisp breadcrumb topping, this dish is not just a meal, but a gastronomic journey that celebrates the best of British seafood.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cromer crabs
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 50g butter, softened
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Spring salad leaves
- Olive oil and lemon juice for dressing
Instructions
- Carefully extract all meat from the Cromer crabs, separating white and brown meat into two distinct bowls. Ensure no shell fragments remain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown crab meat with softened butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, rich paste forms.
- Gently fold the white crab meat into the mixture, being careful not to break the delicate meat chunks.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease four individual ramekins or a single baking dish.
- Divide the crab mixture evenly among the ramekins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of each ramekin, creating a golden-brown crust.
- Place ramekins on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
- While the crab is baking, prepare the spring salad by mixing fresh salad leaves and dressing lightly with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Remove crab from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving alongside the dressed spring salad.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve immediately while still warm.
Tips
- Choose the freshest Cromer crabs possible - the quality of your seafood is paramount to this dish's success.
- When extracting crab meat, use a small fork or dedicated crab pick to ensure no shell fragments remain.
- Be gentle when folding white crab meat to maintain its delicate texture and prevent breaking.
- Use a light hand with the breadcrumbs - aim for a thin, even golden layer.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the optimal temperature and crisp breadcrumb topping.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light, citrusy beer to complement the rich crab flavors.
- If you can't find Cromer crabs, substitute with fresh local crab meat from a reputable fishmonger.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg