Discover how to make the perfect Stuffed Crab Backs with our easy-to-follow recipe. This dish features crab meat mixed with aromatic spices, crunchy bread crumbs, and fresh vegetables, all baked to perfection in the crab shell. Ideal for a savory appetizer or a main course, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your seafood cravings.

Ingredients:

- 6 crab backs (empty crab shells)

- 1 cup crab meat (cooked and shredded)

- 1/2 cup bread crumbs

- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red or green)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup mayonnaise

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, bread crumbs, chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, thyme, and parsley (if using). Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stuff Crab Backs: Carefully spoon the crab mixture into the crab backs, packing it in firmly. Place the stuffed crab backs on a baking sheet.

Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed crab backs. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer or main course.

Nutritional values

Crab Backs (6 empty crab shells):

  - Nutritional Values: Typically negligible as they are empty shells.

Benefits: Used as a vessel for stuffing, adds texture to the dish.

Crab Meat (1 cup or 120g, cooked and shredded):

  - Approximately 132 calories

  - 27g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 1g fat

Benefits: High in protein, low in fat, rich in vitamins B12 and C, and provides essential minerals like zinc and copper.

Bread Crumbs (1/2 cup or 30g):

  - Approximately 110 calories

  - 3g protein

  - 20g carbohydrates

  - 1g fat

Benefits: Adds texture and helps bind the filling; provides some fiber.

Finely Chopped Onion (1/4 cup or 40g):

  - Approximately 16 calories

  - 0.5g protein

  - 4g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, supports immune health, and adds flavor.

Finely Chopped Bell Pepper (1/4 cup or 30g):

  - Approximately 9 calories

  - 0.4g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, supports eye health, and adds crunch and color.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - Approximately 8 calories

  - 0.4g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Immune-boosting, may improve heart health.

Mayonnaise (1/4 cup or 60g):

  - Approximately 360 calories

  - 1g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 40g fat

Benefits: Adds creaminess; provides some vitamin E and healthy fats. Use in moderation due to high calorie and fat content.

Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon or 15g):

  - Approximately 10 calories

  - 0.5g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 0.5g fat

Benefits: Adds tangy flavor; low in calories, contains some antioxidants.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon or 15ml):

  - Approximately 4 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: High in vitamin C, supports immune health, and adds brightness to the flavor.

Old Bay Seasoning (1 teaspoon or 1g):

  - Approximately 6 calories

  - 0.3g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a unique flavor with a blend of spices; may contain herbs with antioxidant properties.

Paprika (1/2 teaspoon or 1g):

  - Approximately 6 calories

  - 0.3g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 0.3g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, may support immune health and add color and flavor.

Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon or 1g):

  - Approximately 2 calories

  - 0.1g protein

  - 0.5g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports digestion, and adds flavor.

Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon or 3g, optional):

  - Approximately 1 calorie

  - 0.1g protein

  - 0.2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supports digestive health and adds a fresh flavor.

Salt (to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon):

  - Approximately 0 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor; excessive use can affect health.

Pepper (to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon):

  - Approximately 3 calories

  - 0.1g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, aids digestion, and adds flavor.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons or 30ml):

  - Approximately 240 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 27g fat

Benefits: Contains monounsaturated fats, supports heart health, and has antioxidant properties.