best cream of crab soup recipe

best cream of crab soup recipe

The Best best cream of crab soup recipe

I’ve been making cream of crab soup for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. This soup originated in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, where blue crabs are abundant.

The rich, velvety texture and the subtle sweetness of the crab make this soup a delight to eat. I love how it warms up on a cold winter day or as a comforting treat on a chilly fall evening.

The key to making this soup is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh crab meat and real butter. A roux made with butter and flour thickens the soup without leaving a starchy taste.

I also like to add some diced onions and celery for added depth of flavor. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in with loved ones.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also relatively healthy, with plenty of protein from the crab and veggies from the onions and celery. My kids adore this soup, and they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, but I still get excited every time I serve it up. The aroma of steaming hot soup wafting through the kitchen is just irresistible.

Best Cream of Crab Soup

Best Cream of Crab Soup

4.7 from 1288 votes

This rich and velvety cream of crab soup is a classic coastal comfort dish, loaded with sweet lump crab meat in a perfectly seasoned cream base. It is easy to prepare yet tastes like it came from a fine seafood restaurant.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup Base

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery, finely diced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups seafood stock or clam juice
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Crab and Finish

1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Do not let them brown.
4Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
5The mixture should be thick and slightly golden.
6Gradually pour in the seafood stock while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
7Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
8Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, Old Bay seasoning, dry mustard, and cayenne if using.
9Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is hot and flavors meld.
10Do not let it boil.
11Gently fold in the lump crab meat and dry sherry if using.
12Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes over low heat until the crab is heated through.
13Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
14Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and chives.
15Serve immediately with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 17g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh lump crab meat and avoid imitation crab. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in during the final simmer. Adjust the Old Bay and cayenne to your spice preference.

Watch Video Of How Best Cream of Crab Soup Works

This cream of crab soup recipe is always a hit with my family and friends. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just need something comforting after a long day.

One thing I love about this recipe is its versatility – you can serve it as an appetizer or main course depending on your preference. Plus, leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cream of Crab Soup

Q: What type of crab meat should I use?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use jumbo lump crab meat or flaked crab meat from blue crabs. Avoid using canned crab or imitation crab products, as they won’t provide the same rich flavor.

Q: Can I use low-fat butter or margarine instead?

A: While low-fat alternatives might seem like a healthier option, they’ll affect the flavor and texture of the soup. Real butter gives this dish its signature taste and helps create a smooth consistency.

Q: How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

A: If you find that your soup is too thick after adding the roux mixture, simply add more chicken broth or water until you achieve your desired consistency.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes! You can prepare this soup ahead of time by cooking the vegetables, roux mixture, and crab meat separately before combining them at serving time.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover cream of crab soup?

A: When reheating leftover soup, gently warm it over low heat or in short intervals in the microwave to prevent scorching.

Similar Posts