Go Back Email Link

Elegant Classic Crab Thermidor Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 large Shallots, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Dry Sherry
  • 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 2 large Egg Yolks
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 tsp White Pepper
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 lb Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese, grated, divided
  • 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat broiler to high. Gently pick over crab meat for shells. Lightly grease 4 crab shells or ramekins.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallots and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Sprinkle flour over shallots, cook and stir for 1 minute to make a roux. Whisk in the sherry until a smooth paste forms.
  • Gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Cook, whisking, until the sauce thickens and coats a spoon, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly ladle about 1/2 cup of hot sauce into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, peppers, and 1/2 cup of the Gruyère cheese until melted.
  • Gently fold in the crab meat and parsley. Divide the mixture among the prepared shells or ramekins.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup Gruyère and the Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over the crab mixture.
  • Place on a baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure your crab meat is patted dry, especially if using canned or previously frozen, to prevent a watery sauce.
Keyword baked crab, Crab Thermidor, creamy crab recipe, seafood