Ingredients
- Fresh Crab Meat: 1 cup, cooked and picked clean of shells.
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups.
- Egg Yolks: 4 large.
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (divided for custard and topping).
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
- White Pepper: ¼ teaspoon.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Meat
– Cook crab meat and remove any shells or cartilage. Flake into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard
– Heat 2 cups of heavy cream over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
– In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks and ¼ cup of sugar until pale and thick.
– Slowly whisk the warm cream into the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
– Stir in the salt, white pepper, and Dijon mustard.
Step 3: Incorporate the Crab
– Gently fold the crab meat into the custard mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Custards
– Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
– Divide the mixture into 6 ramekins.
– Place the ramekins in a baking pan and fill the pan halfway with hot water.
– Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
– Remove ramekins and cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar
– Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar evenly on top of each custard.
– Using a kitchen torch, melt the sugar until golden brown (alternatively, use the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes).
Notes
– Avoid overcooking the custard to prevent a grainy texture.
– Ensure the custard is chilled properly before caramelizing the sugar for the best texture contrast.
– If you do not have a kitchen torch, use the oven broiler, but be cautious of burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Method: Baking and torching
- Cuisine: French-inspired, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
Keywords: Crab Brulee, Savory Crème Brûlée, Seafood Appetizer, Caramelized Sugar, French-Inspired Dish, Sophisticated Seafood Dish