Sarah Jane's Deviled Crabs 🦀✨

This delightful dish is perfect for seafood lovers and makes a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or a special dinner at home. With a rich cream sauce and tender crab meat, these deviled crabs are sure to impress your guests! Consider serving them with a light salad or crispy baguette slices for a complete meal. 🍽️

Ingredients

• 1 raw egg
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp prepared mustard
• ½ cup crushed crackers (like saltines)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 cups crab meat (fresh or canned)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens and forms a rich cream sauce.

   🥄 Make sure to stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming and achieve a smooth texture.

2. Mix the Ingredients: Once your cream sauce is ready, remove it from heat and add the egg, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine.

3. Add the Crab: Gently fold in the crab meat, being cautious not to break it apart too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Prepare for Baking: Spoon the mixture into crab shells or small baking dishes, and top with the crushed crackers for a delightful crunch.

5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the stuffed shells for 30 minutes, or until they are golden and bubbly.

   🔥 For a nice golden topping, consider broiling for the last couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

Tips & Tricks

• Fresh Crab Preference: If possible, use fresh crab meat for the best flavor, but canned crab meat works well in a pinch.
• Shells on Hand: If you don’t have crab shells, you can use any small oven-safe dishes or ramekins.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Seafood Medley: Mix in some cooked shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood combination.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute crab meat with shredded artichokes, mushrooms, or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.

So gather your ingredients and get ready to create this savory dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! 🎉🦀