You might have seen it on menus or praised on cooking shows. But what exactly is Oscar-style steak? This fancy dish’s history starts with Oscar Frederik, also known as Oscar II, who was King of Sweden in the 1800s.
He was a poet, the founder of the world’s first outdoor museum, and a supporter of many Arctic expeditions when he wasn’t being king. In fact, a whole area of glaciers is named after him—“Oscar II Land.” Clearly, this guy had a lot going on. Oscar had a lot of different tastes and skills, but he made steak the way everyone else does it, which is a culinary legend that we can all thank him for.
Order a decadent “Crab Oscar” at a high-end restaurant and you’ll be treated to succulent crab meat blanketed in velvety hollandaise sauce. But where did this indulgent dish get its peculiar name? Why is this crab creation called Oscar when it has no apparent connection to anyone actually named Oscar?
As a seafood lover, I was determined to get to the bottom of this crustacean mystery. Let’s explore the fascinating history behind the curious moniker “Crab Oscar” and the theories around why this deluxe dish bears this particular name.
A Swedish King’s Love of Shellfish
The most popular origin story dates back to 1897 and credits a Swedish king for inspiring the name As the tale goes, King Oscar II of Sweden was especially fond of crab meat During a visit to a restaurant in Paris, the king ordered crab topped with butter sauce multiple times.
To honor the king’s preference, the chef dubbed the dish “Crab Oscar.” Out of respect for royalty, the name stuck. Thus, a regal seafood delicacy fitting for a king was born.
An Inventive Hotel Chef’s Signature Recipe
Another common theory gives credit to an inventive hotel chef for devising the first “Oscar” recipe In the early 1900s, Chef Oscar Tschirky of the famed Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City was renowned for his elegant cuisine
The story goes that Chef Oscar created a signature dish composed of crab meat blanketed in rich hollandaise sauce. To highlight its inventor, he cleverly named the recipe “Crab Oscar.” The dish became a sensation with hotel patrons and cemented the association between crab and the name Oscar.
Celebrating Shellfish at Award Shows
Some accounts link the name Oscar to the famous Academy Awards. Supposedly, plates of crab dishes were served at early Oscars ceremonies. Both the trophies and the shellfish dishes were seen as the “stars” of these coveted events.
The shared spotlight and sense of glitz and glamour inspired the crab creations to become known as “Oscar” recipes. Though no concrete evidence supports this theory, it speaks to the luxurious connotations the name evokes.
A Catchy Alliterative Appellation
Perhaps the simplest theory is that “Oscar” crab rolls off the tongue easily. The satisfying alliteration of “Oscar” and “crab” makes it a catchy and memorable name. Even if coined randomly, it elegantly matches the elegant nature of the dish.
My Verdict on the Oscar Mystery
While the exact origins remain uncertain, the royal connection seems the most plausible. Throughout history, many foods were named in honor of kings and queens who favored them. Given Swedish Oscar II’s adoration of crab, dubbing buttery crab dishes after him aligns with this tradition.
Regardless of its roots, “Oscar” remains a fitting label for such a decadent recipe. The name conjures images of luxury, celebrity and gourmet cuisine. Next time I indulge in Crab Oscar, I will toast both the crab…and King Oscar II himself!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Oscar
Why is crab meat used instead of lobster for Crab Oscar?
Since crab meat is less expensive than lobster, it’s more accessible for restaurants to serve Crab Oscar. The sweet, delicate flavor of crab also complements the rich sauce nicely.
What kind of crab is typically used?
Lump crab meat from blue crabs or stone crabs are common choices. King crab may also be used for a heartier texture.
How did the Crab Oscar dish evolve over time?
Originally consisting just of crab and sauce, asparagus and beef tenderloin were later added, resulting in the “Steak Oscar” entrée.
Does Crab Oscar reference the Academy Awards?
While some connect the name to the Oscars ceremony, there is no direct evidence that Crab Oscar was inspired by the Hollywood awards.
What sauce is used in Crab Oscar recipes?
Traditionally, a butter-based sauce like hollandaise or béarnaise is drizzled over the crab meat. Some versions may use an aioli or creamy mustard sauce.
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What is Oscar-style steak?
It looks like King Oscar liked a nice piece of veal with crab meat, butter sauce, and two white asparagus spears on top. Over time, the teeming masses replaced the veal with steak and even, in some variations, with chicken. (But Texans love a good steak, so we’ll stick with that, thank ya kindly. ).
Nowadays, Oscar-style steak is typically made using filet mignon, beef tenderloin, or a similar cut of meat. A butter sauce that has been mixed together, like Bernaise or Hollandaise, and either jumbo lump crab or lobster meat are put on top of it. Then, of course, there is the adornment of two fresh asparagus spears.
But there is more than meets the eye to this decadent dish. Let’s take a closer look.
What’s the Difference Between Hollandaise and Béarnaise Sauce?
Hollandaise is one of those classic French sauces that every chef must know. An egg yolk mixture emulsified with butter and acid (typically lemon juice), it is the foundation of so many other sauces. This is part of the reason they call it a “mother sauce.” And one of those sauces is Bernaise sauce, which adds a bit of vinegar, tarragon, and shallot.
But if you want to put a bit of a Texas-style twist on your Oscar-style steak, we recommend adding a bit of spice. It is easy to give your Hollandaise sauce a little kick with cayenne pepper, but we prefer Tabasco. Check out this spicy Hollandaise sauce recipe from The Recipe Website for instructions!
