Imagine a dish that transports you to the breezy shores of the Atlantic, where succulent crab meat meets the rich, sophisticated flavor of sherry in a mouthwatering stuffing that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Sherried Crab Meat Stuffing is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines delicate seafood, aromatic herbs, and a splash of elegant sherry, creating a show-stopping side dish that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound crab meat
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup sherry
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Carefully pick through the crab meat to remove any small shells or cartilage, being gentle to keep the meat intact.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and chopped celery, creating a base for the stuffing mixture.
- Add the mayonnaise to the breadcrumb mixture, stirring until the ingredients are evenly distributed and slightly moistened.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, taking care not to break up the delicate meat pieces too much.
- Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring softly to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
- Slowly pour the sherry into the mixture, stirring gently to moisten and add depth of flavor without making the stuffing too wet.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Transfer the crab meat stuffing into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- Serve hot as a side dish or as a stuffing for fish, chicken, or as a standalone appetizer.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality crab meat and carefully remove any shell fragments to ensure a smooth, luxurious texture.
- When folding in the crab meat, use a gentle touch to preserve the delicate meat's integrity and prevent breaking it into tiny pieces.
- Choose a good quality sherry—a dry or medium-dry variety works best to enhance the stuffing's flavor without overwhelming the delicate crab.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before baking.
- If the stuffing seems too dry, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of sherry to maintain moisture.
- For a golden, crispy top, broil the stuffing for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately after resting to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of this luxurious dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
