Low Carb Crab Stuffed Mushrooms: A Delectable Appetizer
These Low Carb Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a perfect fit for anyone following the South Beach or Atkins diet. With the typical breadcrumb replaced by a blend of savory ingredients, these mushrooms are light, yet bursting with flavor. They make a fantastic appetizer, a side dish to complement meat or fish, or even a satisfying main dish when served with a fresh salad. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Key Information
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Crab
- Recipe Servings: 6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 68 |
| Fat Content | 2.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.8 mg |
| Sodium | 342.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.8 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugar | 1.2 g |
| Protein | 9.7 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh mushrooms (large) | 12 |
| Scallions (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Dried oregano | 3 teaspoons |
| Dried thyme | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Low-fat mayonnaise | 1/3 cup |
| Fat-free mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 3 tablespoons |
| Black pepper (to taste) | As needed |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crab Filling:
Begin by rinsing and draining the crabmeat thoroughly. Place the crabmeat in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped scallions, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper to the bowl. Gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients. -
-
Mix the Creamy Base:
Add the low-fat mayonnaise and fat-free mayonnaise to the crab mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated. Then, add 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese to the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly mixed in. Once combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to stuff the mushrooms. -
Prepare the Mushrooms:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, clean and dry the mushrooms. Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms and discard them. Using a spoon, gently scoop out and discard the gills from each mushroom cap to make room for the crab filling. -
Stuff the Mushrooms:
Take the crabmeat mixture from the refrigerator and spoon it generously into the hollowed-out mushroom caps. Pack the filling slightly to ensure it stays in place. -
Bake the Mushrooms:
Brush each stuffed mushroom cap with a light coating of olive oil to enhance flavor and promote even browning. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet, jelly roll pan, or a shallow baking dish lined with aluminum foil. Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese over the tops of the stuffed mushrooms, and then dust them with a pinch of paprika. -
Cooking Time:
Place the mushrooms in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly. -
Serving:
Once cooked, remove the stuffed mushrooms from the oven and serve immediately. They make a great appetizer or a side dish for your favorite protein. For a more substantial meal, serve them with a side salad to complete the dish.
Tips for Success:
- Fresh Crabmeat: If possible, use fresh crabmeat for the best flavor. Canned crabmeat works fine as a substitute, but fresh will elevate the taste.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Adding a touch more paprika or even a dash of cayenne pepper can give these mushrooms a nice kick.
- Serving Ideas: These crab-stuffed mushrooms pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a more indulgent pairing, serve with a light seafood pasta or grilled fish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Low Carb Crab Stuffed Mushrooms offer all the flavor of a traditional crab-stuffed mushroom recipe without the added carbs from breadcrumbs. The combination of fresh crab, creamy mayonnaise, and parmesan cheese gives each bite a rich, savory flavor, while the mushrooms themselves provide a meaty bite that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, or just looking for a healthier appetizer option, these mushrooms will not disappoint. Plus, with only 2.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving, they fit seamlessly into a variety of diet plans, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
These mushrooms are a simple yet elegant dish that will make your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a fine-dining experience.
