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Crab Imperial

Crab Imperial is a baked seafood dish featuring lump crab meat combined with a rich, butter-based sauce accented by Worcestershire and garlic, topped with a crumbly mixture before baking. The final appearance is a golden-brown crust over a flaky, tender crab filling with a luscious, creamy interior. Its aroma melds butter, garlic, and savory spices into a tempting scent.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lump crab meat preferably fresh or high-quality canned
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs for the topping, optional for crunch
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise adds creaminess
  • 1 small lemon juiced, for freshness
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking Dish
  • Cooking spoon
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to hold the crab mixture.
  2. Gently fold the lump crab meat into a mixing bowl, taking care to keep it as whole as possible for texture.
  3. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and just starting to turn golden, about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the crab, then add Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Gently mix everything until evenly combined, avoiding breaking up the crab too much.
  5. Season the mixture with Old Bay, salt, and pepper, then give it a final gentle fold to distribute the seasoning evenly.
  6. Transfer the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  7. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top of the crab mixture, creating a crumbly, golden layer that will crisp as it bakes.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges, about 20 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes; the aroma of garlic, butter, and seasoned crab will fill the air.
  10. Serve the Crab Imperial hot, with crusty bread or lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.