Crab Salad Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe

Introduction

In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes manage to blend freshness, spice, and elegance as effortlessly as a well-crafted stuffed tomato filled with flavorful crab salad. This recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, epitomizes simplicity and sophistication, offering a vibrant, zesty, and satisfying dish that can be served as a quick lunch, a delightful snack, or an impressive appetizer at any gathering. The key to its irresistible appeal lies in the harmonious combination of succulent white crab meat, creamy avocados, and the invigorating kick of lime and jalapenos. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or a casual cook seeking a crowd-pleaser, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary repertoire with minimal effort but maximum flavor.

Time

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Total Time

15 minutes

This quick preparation makes it an ideal choice for last-minute entertaining or a spontaneous snack craving. The minimal cooking involved emphasizes fresh ingredients and simple assembly, ensuring that the dish remains light and vibrant.

Needed Equipment

• Sharp paring knife
• Spoon for scooping out tomatoes
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Juicer or reamer for lime
• Forks for mixing
• Serving platter
• Plastic wrap or airtight container for chilling

Tags

Crab, Seafood, Quick, Easy, Appetizer, Snack, Fresh, Healthy, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Summer, Light

Serving Size

1 stuffed tomato (serves 4)

Difficulty Level

Easy

Allergen Information

• Seafood: Crab meat
• Allergens: Shellfish
• Gluten-Free: Yes
• Vegetarian: No

Dietary Preference

Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly (if mayonnaise is low-carb), Dairy-Free (if mayonnaise is omitted or dairy-free mayo is used)

Course

Appetizer, Snack, Light Lunch

Cuisine

Seafood / American

Ingredients

Ingredient Table

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring they are fresh and ready for assembly. Carefully pick over the crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Rinse the tomatoes under cold water, drying them gently with a paper towel. Rinse the cilantro and pat dry, then chop finely to release its fragrant oils. Peel and mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are minced as finely as possible to distribute their flavor evenly. Cut the lime in half and prepare a juicer or reamer to extract the juice without seeds.

Step 2: Make the Crab Salad Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared crab meat, diced avocados, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste, considering your spice preference. Incorporate mayonnaise into the mixture, adjusting the quantity based on desired creaminess. Gently fold all ingredients together using a fork or spatula, being careful not to mash the avocados excessively. The goal is to create a harmonious mixture where each element remains distinct yet well integrated. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice for acidity or cayenne for heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomatoes

Select firm but ripe tomatoes for the best structural integrity. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice off the tops of each tomato, about one-fifth from the top, creating a lid. Using a small spoon or melon baller, gently scoop out the seeds and pulp, creating a hollow cavity inside each tomato. Be cautious not to puncture the skin or make the cavity too thin, which could cause leakage when filled. Lightly sprinkle the insides with a pinch of salt to draw out excess moisture and enhance flavor.

Step 4: Stuff the Tomatoes

Using a spoon or small scoop, generously fill each hollowed-out tomato with the crab salad mixture. Pack the filling in tightly, mounding it slightly over the top for visual appeal. Cover the stuffed tomatoes with their lids or leave them open, based on presentation preference. Place the stuffed tomatoes on a serving platter, ensuring they are stable and won’t topple.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the assembled tomatoes with plastic wrap or transfer the platter to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up, making for easier eating. When ready to serve, garnish with additional chopped cilantro or lime wedges for extra freshness and visual appeal. Serve cold and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Preparation Tips

• Choosing Tomatoes: Select firm, ripe, and unblemished tomatoes that can hold their shape when scooped and stuffed. Beefsteak or vine-ripened varieties are ideal due to their size and robustness.
• Crab Meat: Use high-quality, fresh crab meat for optimal flavor. Lump crab or jumbo lump offers a more substantial bite and elegant presentation, but claw meat can be used as a budget-friendly alternative.
• Avocado Handling: Ripe avocados should yield slightly to gentle pressure. To prevent browning, toss the diced avocado with a little lime juice immediately after cutting.
• Mayonnaise Substitutes: For a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise alternative, which will alter the flavor slightly but can be equally delicious.
• Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper and jalapenos to suit your heat tolerance. For milder flavor, reduce or omit cayenne, and for extra heat, add diced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce.
• Assembly: To prevent the crab salad from spilling, pack it firmly into the tomato cavities. For a neater presentation, use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill the tomatoes precisely.

Nutritional Information

Note: These values are approximate and based on standard ingredient measures. Exact values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient sizes.

Tips and Tricks

• Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika atop the stuffed tomatoes for extra depth.
• Presentation: For an upscale look, arrange the stuffed tomatoes on a bed of fresh greens or garnish with edible flowers.
• Make It Spicy: Incorporate diced jalapenos or a pinch of chili flakes into the crab salad for heat.
• Texture Variation: Mix in finely diced red onions or celery for added crunch and flavor complexity.

Add-ons

• Crumbled feta or cotija cheese sprinkled on top before serving
• Additional diced red onions or scallions in the crab salad
• Chopped red bell peppers for sweetness and crunch
• Crushed tortilla chips or toasted bread crumbs for texture contrast

Side Dishes

• Fresh mixed greens with a light vinaigrette
• Crusty baguette slices or crostini
• Fresh fruit salad for a sweet accompaniment
• Chilled ceviche or seafood cocktail

Improvements

• Use freshly cooked lump crab meat for a more authentic and tender experience.
• Incorporate diced red onion or shallots into the salad for added flavor layers.
• Add a touch of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the mayonnaise for depth.
• Experiment with different herbs such as basil or parsley for nuanced flavor profiles.

Save and Store

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Due to the moisture in the crab salad, the tomatoes may become soggy if stored too long. For leftovers, remove the filling from the tomatoes and store separately, then refill just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.

FAQ

Can I prepare the crab salad ahead of time?

Yes, the crab salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and assemble the stuffed tomatoes just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I use canned crab meat?

While fresh or frozen lump crab meat offers superior flavor and texture, canned crab meat is a convenient alternative. Opt for high-quality, chunk or lump varieties for best results.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. This dish is naturally gluten-free, provided the mayonnaise used is gluten-free.

Can I make it vegan?

Replace crab meat with hearts of palm or diced tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise. Adjust seasonings accordingly for maximum flavor.

Conclusion

This Oh So Good Crab Salad Stuffed Tomatoes recipe exemplifies how simple ingredients can be transformed into an elegant and flavorful dish. Its fresh flavors, vibrant presentation, and quick assembly make it an excellent choice for any occasion—whether a casual lunch, a sophisticated appetizer, or a festive gathering. The balance of creamy avocado, succulent crab, and zesty lime creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate. Remember, the key to perfect stuffed tomatoes lies in selecting quality produce and handling each component with care. For more inspiring recipes and culinary tips, visit Love With Recipes—a platform dedicated to bringing joy and creativity to your home cooking.

References

• Seafood Nutrition Partnership. (2021). Seafood and Health: Benefits of Eating Fish and Shellfish.
• Food Network. (2022). Best Crab Salad Recipes.