Are you ready to elevate your cooking game with a rich and creamy Crab Brulee Recipe? This dish is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort, blending the delicate flavor of crab with a velvety custard base. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Crab Brulee Recipe Contents
Ingredients & Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather everything we need. Bold equipment and ingredients will have direct Amazon links for easy shopping.
Time Overview
Time | Minutes |
---|---|
Prep Time | 15 |
Cook Time | 25 |
Total Time | 40 |
Servings & Estimated Cost
Details | Value |
---|---|
Servings | 4 People |
Estimated Cost | $15 |
What You’ll Need
Equipment
Quantity | Equipment | Notes |
---|---|---|
1 | Ramekins | For individual servings. |
1 | Whisk | For blending the ingredients. |
1 | Baking Sheet | To place the ramekins in the oven. |
1 | Kitchen Torch | To caramelize the sugar on top. |
Ingredients
Quantity | Unit | Ingredient | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | cup | Crab Meat | Fresh or canned. |
4 | tbsp | Heavy Cream | For a creamy texture. |
2 | tbsp | Butter | Melted. |
1 | tsp | Dijon Mustard | Adds a tangy flavor. |
1 | pinch | Cayenne Pepper | For a subtle heat. |
2 | tbsp | Parmesan Cheese | Grated. |
4 | tbsp | Sugar | To caramelize the top. |
2 | Egg Yolks | For a rich custard base. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process of creating this delicious Crab Brulee Recipe step by step.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started.
Metadata: Preheat
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and melted butter. Add the crab meat and parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
Metadata: Mix Ingredients

3. Pour into Ramekins
Divide the mixture evenly among 4 ramekins and place them on a baking sheet.
Metadata: Pour into Ramekins

4. Bake the Brulees
Bake the ramekins for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Metadata: Bake

5. Add Sugar and Caramelize
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on top of each baked ramekin. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crisp layer.
Metadata: Caramelize

Nutrition Information
Nutritional Info | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Fat | 20g |
Protein | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Sodium | 320mg |
Key Takeaways
- Crab Brulee is a rich, decadent dish perfect for seafood lovers.
- It’s easy to make with a few simple steps.
- A kitchen torch is essential for that perfect caramelized top.
Recipe Notes
Feel free to use canned crab meat if you don’t have access to fresh. You can also play around with the seasoning, adjusting the heat level to your liking. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a light white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned crab meat for crab brulee?
- Yes, but fresh crab meat is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- What’s the best sugar to use for caramelizing the top?
- Granulated sugar works best for creating a crispy, even crust.
- Can I make crab brulee without a kitchen torch?
- You can use the oven broiler, but a kitchen torch gives better control over the caramelization.
- Is crab brulee served hot or cold?
- It’s best served warm with a freshly caramelized sugar topping.
- Can I substitute other seafood for crab in this recipe?
- Yes, you can experiment with other shellfish like lobster or shrimp for a different twist.
- Can I make Crab Brulee ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the brulees and refrigerate them before caramelizing the sugar. Just torch them right before serving. - What can I serve with Crab Brulee?
A side of Savory Vegetable Quinoa or a light green salad would be perfect!

Crab Brulee
Equipment
- 1 Ramekins For individual servings.
- 1 Whisk For blending the ingredients.
- 1 Baking sheet To place the ramekins in the oven.
- 1 Kitchen Torch To caramelize the sugar on top.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Crab Meat Fresh or canned.
- 4 tbsp Heavy Cream For a creamy texture.
- 2 tbsp Butter Melted.
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard Adds a tangy flavor.
- 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper For a subtle heat.
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese Grated.
- 4 tbsp Sugar To caramelize the top.
- 2 Egg Yolks For a rich custard base.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and melted butter. Add the crab meat and parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly among 4 ramekins and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the ramekins for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on top of each baked ramekin. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crisp layer.