What is Crab Imperial? A Delicious Classic Seafood Recipe Explained

Crab imperial is a timeless seafood dish that has been popular on the East Coast for generations. With its decadent combination of lump crabmeat baked in a rich eggy custard crab imperial is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers. But what exactly is crab imperial and how did it become such a cherished recipe?

A Brief History of Crab Imperial

The exact origins of crab imperial are unknown, but it likely emerged in the early 20th century along the Chesapeake Bay region, where blue crabs are bountiful. The dish was popularized by upscale restaurants who wanted to serve crab in an elegant preparation befitting their establishments.

The name “imperial” refers to the velvety custard-like sauce that envelops the crabmeat. With its rich taste and creamy texture the imperial sauce transforms simple crab into a dish fit for royalty. As crab imperial grew famous, cooks experimented with their own renditions, but the essential components of lump crab and imperial sauce remained unchanged.

Traditional Ingredients in Crab Imperial

While variations abound, traditional crab imperial recipes call for just a few simple ingredients:

• Lump or jumbo lump crabmeat: Carefully picked crabmeat ensures the delicate texture and fresh ocean flavor shine through. Using high-quality lump crabmeat is key.

• Mayonnaise: The base of the imperial sauce is mayonnaise, which creates a luxuriously rich and creamy binding agent when baked. Hellmann’s or Duke’s are preferred brands.

• Eggs: Whole eggs or egg yolks add silky richness, moisture, and bind the ingredients together.

• Butter: A small amount of melted butter or olive oil prevents the dish from drying out when baked.

• Lemon juice: A bit of brightness from fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness.

• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley offers color and a hit of herbal freshness.

• Seasonings: Old Bay seasoning and other spices like dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika add signature crab flavor.

How to Make Crab Imperial at Home

Making restaurant-quality crab imperial at home is easy with just 10 core steps:

1. Combine mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, and seasonings. Whisk together to create the imperial sauce.

2. Gently fold in lump crabmeat so not to break up the chunks.

3. Transfer to a baking dish. For an elegant presentation, use individual ramekins.

4. Brush the top with melted butter. This helps create a golden crust.

5. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color.

6. Add extra seasoning like Old Bay or paprika.

7. Bake at 350°F until heated through and golden, about 20-25 minutes.

8. Let sit 5 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

9. Serve with salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

10. Enjoy this classic crab dish! The simplicity of ingredients belies the incredible rich flavor.

Tips for Making Perfect Crab Imperial

Crab imperial may have a short ingredient list, but there are some key tips to ensure your version tastes its absolute best:

• Use freshly picked lump or jumbo lump crabmeat rather than canned. This ensures sweetness and tender texture.

• Be very gentle when folding in the crabmeat to keep the chunks intact. Resist over-mixing.

• Allow to rest before serving so flavors can fully develop.

• Don’t over-sauce. Too much liquid will make the dish watery. Err on the less sauce side.

• Check for doneness with a thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F.

• Serve warm, not hot. The flavor improves as it cools slightly after baking.

Variations on Classic Crab Imperial

Once you master the traditional version, there are many tasty ways to customize crab imperial:

• Bake in shells like scallop shells or crab shells for dramatic presentation.

• Add minced bell pepper, parsley, tarragon, chervil, or dill for extra flavor.

• Stuff into mushrooms caps or halved peppers for easy finger food.

• Use as a seafood stuffing for fish like flounder or snapper.

• Swap in half mayonnaise and half sour cream for a tangy twist.

• Top with crisp buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for crunch.

• Bake in individual soufflé cups for elegant single servings.

No matter how you choose to vary it, the formula of lump crabmeat + rich sauce always produces incredible results.

Serving Suggestions for Crab Imperial

Crab imperial makes a decadent entree, but also shines as an appetizer for special occasions. Here are some serving ideas:

• As a starter, present baked in scallop shells or mini ramekins for individual portions.

• Offer as a salad topping in lieu of grilled chicken or shrimp. The cool greens contrast the warm crab imperial beautifully.

• For whole meal, serve with roasted asparagus or green beans and buttery mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.

• Pass around mini crab imperial stuffed mushrooms as a hearty passed hors d’oeuvre.

• For easy entertaining, set up a crab imperial dipping station with buttered bread chunks and crackers for dipping.

No matter how you serve it, crab imperial always garners rave reviews! The elegantly rich flavor satisfies seafood aficionados and those new to crab alike.

Storing and Freezing Leftover Crab Imperial

Like any seafood dish, crab imperial is best fresh. Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy within 2 days. The delicate texture suffers when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.

However, you can freeze extra uncooked imperial sauce mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using. This allows you to quickly prepare fresh crab imperial whenever a craving strikes!

Crab Imperial Stands the Test of Time

While many retro recipes fade with the passage of time, crab imperial remains a cherished staple on menus and home cooks alike. The simplicity of lump crabmeat draped in an elegant, creamy sauce speaks for itself. When made with care using quality ingredients, it’s easy to see why crab imperial has staying power.

This recipe celebrates the fresh sweetness of crab to its fullest potential. So next time you spy crab imperial on a menu or recipe roundup, don’t be intimidated. With a few simple guidelines, you can craft this classic restaurant dish successfully at home. From its beginnings along the Chesapeake Bay to gracing fine dining tables today, crab imperial is a timeless dish for seafood aficionados everywhere to savor.