Crab Delight: Elegant Chilled Seafood Cocktail

Elegant Crab Cocktail Recipe

Overview

The Elegant Crab Cocktail recipe is a sophisticated dish perfect for showcasing large, succulent lumps of crabmeat. Ideal for a leisurely lunch or as a luxurious snack, this recipe is designed to be prepared ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 24 hours (overnight)
• Total Time: 24 hours
• Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
• Keywords: Crab, Fruit, Vegetable, Canadian, Potluck, Weeknight, No Cook, Refrigerator, Easy
• Calories per Serving: 112.7
• Fat Content: 2.8g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1.3g
• Cholesterol Content: 64.1mg
• Sodium Content: 433.3mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 6.2g
• Fiber Content: 1.2g
• Sugar Content: 4.1g
• Protein Content: 14.5g
• Servings: 6-12, depending on presentation
• Yield: 6-12 servings, depending on how it is served

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 lemon, zest of (finely grated lemon peel)
• 1/3 orange zest (finely grated orange peel)
• Mayonnaise (quantity not specified)
• Sour cream (quantity not specified)
• 1 cup chili sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preparation of Dressing:

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   • In a mixing bowl, combine the diced red bell pepper, lemon zest, orange zest, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili sauce, tarragon leaves, chopped chives, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

2. Incorporating Crab:

   • Gently fold in the large white lumps of crabmeat into the prepared dressing mixture. Ensure the crabmeat is evenly coated with the dressing.

3. Chilling Time:

   • Cover the crab mixture and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to blend. For best results, refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

4. Presentation:

   • When ready to serve, choose from several elegant presentation options:
     • Martini Glasses: Line martini glasses with lettuce leaves and pile the crab cocktail mixture elegantly inside.
     • Scallop Shells: Mound the crab mixture on scallop shells for a sophisticated seafood presentation.
     • Endive or Cucumber Boats: Alternatively, use endive leaves or cucumber boats as vessels for serving the crab cocktail.

5. Garnish:

   • Before serving, garnish each serving with fresh chives or sprigs of parsley to add a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

This Elegant Crab Cocktail is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to develop fully. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful texture contrast. Consider serving alongside a light green salad to complement the richness of the crab cocktail.

Additional Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: This recipe benefits from being made ahead, as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
• Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on availability and personal preference. For example, you can adjust the amount of chili sauce for more or less heat.
• Presentation Variations: Explore different ways to present this dish to suit your occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or an elegant dinner party.

Enjoy the luxurious flavors and elegant presentation of this Crab Cocktail, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a gourmet snack!