Hey y’all, Austin here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today I’m sharing my Stuffed Crab Recipe, a dish that takes me right back to my childhood on the Gulf Coast.

I remember my first attempt at making this when I was about 12. My dad had brought home a bunch of blue crabs from his fishing trip, and I insisted on helping prepare them. Let’s just say, it didn’t go smoothly. I ended up with more crab meat on the floor than in the shells!

But with some guidance from my mom and a lot of practice, I finally got the hang of it. Now, Stuffed Crab is my preferred dish when I’m feeling a bit homesick. It’s not as tricky as you might think, and the flavor is out of this world. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this tasty Gulf Coast classic together!

What Is a Stuffed Crab?

The mouth-watering stuffed crab is probably something you’ve seen on the menu at some seafood restaurant. Crab meat’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory filling in this irresistible treat.

This is the perfect spot for you if you’ve been wanting to know how to make this dish at home. If you want to wow your loved ones with a delicious and visually appealing stuffed crab dish, then you need to follow the instructions in this article.

Overview: How To Cook Stuffed Crab?

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Crabs Start by cleaning the crabs. Remove the top shell and clean out the insides, making sure to get rid of any unwanted parts.

Step 2: Make the Filling In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cooked crab meat, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Crabs Take the filling and stuff it into each crab cavity. Make sure to distribute the filling evenly and compact it well for a delicious bite in every piece.

Step 4: Brush with Butter Brush the stuffed crabs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This will add extra flavor and help with browning.

Step 5: Preheat and Bake Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, place the stuffed crabs in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They should be thoroughly cooked and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Let the stuffed crabs cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with your favorite seafood sauce or aioli. Enjoy the succulent crab meat and flavorful filling!

Possible Variations With This Recipe!

Want to try something new with your stuffing crab recipe? Of course! You can attempt these simple additions and swaps:

Crumbs from Bread: Don’t fret if you run out of cracker crumbs. Substituting bread crumbs for regular flour results in a slightly different texture.
Seasoning: Feel free to use your preferred seasoning! Use what you have, whether that’s Old Bay, Creole seasoning, or even just salt and pepper.
Want to turn up the heat? For an additional kick, add some red pepper flakes while cooking.
Looking to enhance the texture and flavor of your shrimp dish? Toss the stuffing mixture with chopped shrimp.
For a creamier filling, you can substitute cream cheese for Parmesan in some recipes. If you’re in the mood for some excitement, try it out!
Pay Attention to Texture: Tailor the stuffing to your preference based on whether you want firm or crumbly crab meat. What matters most is your personal preference.
Flavor Enhancement: Mustard seed and celery seed are essential additions. They give your stuffing mix more dimension.
To enhance the flavor of your stuffed crabs, sprinkle some olive oil over them before cooking.

Favorable Servings with Stuffed Crab!

Storing and Re-Serving!

Wrap and Refrigerate: After cooking and cooling, wrap each filled crab shell in foil. They can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, ready for a delicious snack anytime!
Reheat in the Oven: To keep them moist and tasty, add a little piece of butter on top of each crab shell (inside the foil) as I usually do. Bake until heated through, about 10 minutes in the oven or microwave.
Freeze for Later: For longer storage, wrap the filled crab shells tightly in cling wrap and then in foil. This double wrapping prevents freezer burn and keeps them delicious.
Long-Term Freezing: Stuffed crab shells can be frozen for up to three months. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying meal when you’re short on time.
Defrost in the Fridge: To thaw, place the stuffed crab shells in the fridge for a few hours. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and prepare to bake.
Reheat Thoroughly: Preheat the oven and place the thawed crab shells, still in foil, in the oven (a convection oven works best). Bake for about 30 minutes until thoroughly heated.
Finish Baking: After the first 10 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking. This ensures the crab shells are hot and ready to eat. Enjoy the succulent stuffed crab shells with your favorite sauce!

Can You Grill Stuffed Crabs?

It is possible, but you must ensure that they are wrapped with foil. For the greatest results, leave a small opening at the top to allow for some crispiness. Continue cooking for approximately twenty minutes.

How Do I Stuff the Crabs with The Prepared Mixture?

To stuff the crabs with the prepared mixture, follow these simple steps: First, clean the crabs by removing the top shell and cleaning out the insides. Next, take the prepared crab mixture and spoon it into each crab cavity, making sure to fill them evenly and compactly. Press the mixture gently to ensure it stays in place. Finally, brush the tops with melted butter for added flavor before baking.