Texas Blue Crab Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Crab
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 150.5
Cuisine: Southern, Seafood
Perfect For: Brunch, Quick Appetizers
This Texas Blue Crab Salad is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy flavors and succulent crab meat, guaranteed to impress anyone who tastes it. Based on a recipe by Kent Rathbun, this dish is a fantastic hors d’oeuvre, perfect for brunch or any occasion where you want to serve something special and unique. With a few simple ingredients like fresh crab meat, Boursin cheese, and lime juice, this dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for a busy day or last-minute gathering. The combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors will transport you straight to the Gulf Coast, making this recipe a hit every time you serve it.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | 6 cloves | Fresh, minced |
| Shallots | 2 | Finely chopped |
| Canola Oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing the garlic and shallots |
| Sour Cream | ½ cup | Adds creaminess and tang |
| Boursin Cheese | 1 ½ ounces | A soft, creamy cheese with herbs and spices |
| Worcestershire Sauce | ¼ teaspoon | Adds depth of flavor and a slight tang |
| Fresh Cilantro | 1 tablespoon | Finely chopped, adds a burst of fresh flavor |
| Fresh Chives | 1 tablespoon | Finely chopped for garnish and flavor |
| Fresh Limes | 2 | Juiced, adds a zesty citrus note |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | To taste |
| Cayenne Pepper | ½ teaspoon | For a touch of heat |
| Fresh Blue Crab Meat | 1 pound | The star of the dish, picked crab meat |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150.5 kcal |
| Fat | 10.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 31.3 mg |
| Sodium | 784.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3.8 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.8 g |
| Protein | 11.1 g |
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a medium sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots to the pan. Sauté them until they are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step will bring out the natural sweetness of the shallots and the depth of flavor in the garlic. Once they are done, remove from heat and allow them to cool. -
Whip the Creamy Base:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and Boursin cheese. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The Boursin cheese, with its blend of herbs and spices, will create a rich, flavorful base for the salad. -
Season the Creamy Mixture:
Once your creamy base is smooth, it’s time to season. Add a few dashes of hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a tablespoon of chopped cilantro and chives. Mix everything together, ensuring the flavors are well incorporated. The Worcestershire sauce adds an earthy depth, while the fresh cilantro and chives bring a burst of green freshness. -
Finish the Flavor:
Squeeze in the juice of two fresh limes, and then season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. The lime juice will give the salad a refreshing tang, while the cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick. Stir everything until fully blended, adjusting seasoning as needed. -
Fold in the Crab:
Now, gently fold in the fresh crab meat, being careful not to break up the delicate crab too much. You want to keep the texture of the crab intact, as it should be the star of the salad. Add the sautéed garlic and shallots from earlier, and gently mix them in with the crab meat. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the finished crab salad onto a large platter or individual serving plates. For an elegant presentation, serve the salad on pieces of lavosh or other flatbreads as an hors d’oeuvre. The combination of creamy, savory crab with the crunchy bread is irresistible!
Tips for Serving
- For a Light Meal: You can serve the Texas Blue Crab Salad over a bed of greens, such as arugula or mixed lettuce, for a refreshing and light lunch.
- On Lavosh or Crostini: This salad is perfect for spreading on lavosh, crostini, or even crackers for a delightful appetizer that guests will love.
- Make Ahead: If you’re planning to serve this at a gathering, it can be made a few hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Texas Blue Crab Salad is a fantastic dish that marries fresh seafood with creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors. The light yet indulgent combination of crab meat, Boursin cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or need a quick yet impressive dish for a party, this crab salad will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet looks and tastes like a dish you’ve slaved over for hours. And since it comes together in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for those times when you want something impressive but don’t have a lot of time to spare.
Enjoy this Texas Blue Crab Salad as a light appetizer or a show-stopping brunch item, and watch how quickly it disappears from the table. The combination of crab and creamy Boursin cheese with a spicy kick is sure to please every palate. Don’t be surprised if your guests keep asking for the recipe – it’s that good!
