Crab-Rice Rockefeller

Crab-Rice Rockefeller Recipe | USA | Ingredients: Onion, Margarine, Spinach, Salt, Black Pepper, Brown Rice, Mayonnaise, Cooking Spray, Lemon Juice, Parsley, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 3 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crab-Rice Rockefeller is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the flavors of crab meat, spinach, and rice with a creamy mayonnaise sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

Crab-Rice Rockefeller is a variation of the classic Oysters Rockefeller dish, which was created in New Orleans in the late 19th century. The original recipe features oysters topped with a rich green sauce made from spinach, herbs, and butter. This version substitutes crab meat for oysters and adds brown rice for a healthier twist.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
2 tsp margarine
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen chopped spinach, drained well
0.5 tsp seasoned salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
3 cup hot cooked brown rice
0.5 cup reduced calorie mayonnaise
vegetable cooking spray
1 6 oz (170 g) package frozen lump or white crab meat, thawed
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

How to prepare

Cook the onion in margarine in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the onion is tender.
Add spinach, salt, and pepper; heat thoroughly.
Stir in rice and mayonnaise.
Spoon approximately 0.5 cup of the rice mixture into individual baking shells or ramekins coated with cooking spray.
Toss the crab meat with lemon juice.
Top each ramekin with the crab meat.
Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Place the shells on a baking sheet and broil them 4 inches from the heat source for 2 to 3 minutes.
Squeeze lemon wedges over the hot mixture before serving, if desired.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or lobster for the crab meat for a different flavor.
Use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice for a lighter dish.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the rice mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the spinach well to remove excess moisture and prevent the dish from becoming watery.

- Thaw the crab meat completely before using it in the recipe to ensure even cooking.

- Broil the dish just until the cheese is melted and bubbly to avoid overcooking the crab meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crab-Rice Rockefeller as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the Crab-Rice Rockefeller gives it a crispy, golden-brown crust on top while keeping the crab meat tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Crab-Rice Rockefeller up to the broiling step ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. Just add a few extra minutes to the broiling time to ensure the dish is heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crab-Rice Rockefeller in individual baking shells or ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Crab-Rice Rockefeller with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Crab-Rice Rockefeller in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crab-Rice Rockefeller contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crab-Rice Rockefeller contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crab-Rice Rockefeller contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crab-Rice Rockefeller contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crab-Rice Rockefeller is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (crab) and dairy (cheese) allergens.

Summary

Crab-Rice Rockefeller is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crab-Rice Rockefeller is a decadent and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. With a creamy spinach and rice base topped with tender crab meat, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy beachside cottage. Margaret was known for her exquisite culinary skills, and I always looked forward to the delicious meals she would prepare for me during my visits.

On this particular day, Margaret had planned a special dinner for us, and she was keeping the menu a secret. As we chatted in her sunlit kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of garlic and fresh herbs filled the air. I couldn't help but ask her what she was cooking, and with a mischievous smile, she revealed that we would be enjoying her famous Crab-Rice Rockefeller.

I had never heard of this dish before, but Margaret assured me that it was a true culinary delight. She explained that Crab-Rice Rockefeller was a seafood dish inspired by the classic Oysters Rockefeller, but with a delicious twist of crab meat and rice. I was intrigued and eager to learn more about the recipe.

Margaret began by showing me how to prepare the creamy spinach and herb mixture that would serve as the base for the dish. She sautéed fresh garlic and shallots in a generous amount of butter until they were fragrant and golden brown. Then, she added a splash of white wine and let it simmer until it reduced slightly.

Next, Margaret added a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs – parsley, tarragon, and chives – to the pan, along with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. She stirred the mixture gently, letting the flavors meld together into a fragrant and vibrant green sauce.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, Margaret prepared the crab meat. She had sourced the freshest lump crab meat from the local fish market, and it was sweet, succulent, and brimming with flavor. She carefully picked through the crab meat, removing any stray shells or cartilage, and then folded it gently into the herb and spinach mixture.

With the crab meat incorporated, Margaret turned her attention to the rice. She had cooked a batch of fluffy white rice earlier in the day, and now she added it to the pan, stirring it gently to combine it with the creamy spinach and crab mixture. The rice soaked up all the delicious flavors, becoming rich and savory with each passing moment.

Finally, Margaret spooned the Crab-Rice Rockefeller into individual ramekins, sprinkling them with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese before popping them under the broiler to brown and bubble to perfection. The aroma that wafted from the oven was intoxicating – a heady mix of seafood, herbs, and cheese that made my mouth water in anticipation.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Margaret poured us each a glass of crisp white wine to accompany the Crab-Rice Rockefeller. The first bite was pure bliss – the creamy, rich mixture of crab, rice, and herbs was a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. Each bite was a revelation, a celebration of the bounty of the sea and the earth that had come together in perfect harmony.

I savored every bite of that Crab-Rice Rockefeller, knowing that it was a dish that would stay with me forever. Margaret had taught me not just a recipe, but a lesson in the art of cooking – how to combine the freshest ingredients with love and care to create something truly magical. And as I licked my plate clean, I knew that I would be making Crab-Rice Rockefeller for generations to come, passing on Margaret's recipe and the memories of that special summer day to my own loved ones.