Miniature Crab Rice Puffs

Miniature Crab Rice Puffs Recipe - Easy and Flavorful

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Miniature Crab Rice Puffs are a delightful and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any special occasion or gathering. These bite-sized puffs are filled with a delicious mixture of crab meat, rice, celery, pickles, and eggs, all seasoned with lemon juice, mayonnaise, and chili sauce. The puffs are made even more special by being served in miniature cream puff shells, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish.

History

The origins of Miniature Crab Rice Puffs are not well-documented, but it is likely that this recipe was created as a modern twist on classic crab cakes. By combining the flavors of crab meat with rice and other ingredients, and serving them in delicate cream puff shells, this recipe offers a unique and elegant take on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients

2 cups (about 12 oz or 340 g) crab meat
1 cup cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth)
1 cup chopped celery
0.33 cup chopped sweet pickles
2 tbsp minced onion
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
3 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup chili sauce
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Miniature Cream Puffs

1 cup water
0.5 cup butter or margarine
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup sifted flour
4 eggs

How to prepare

Place crab meat, rice, celery, pickles, onion, and eggs in a mixing bowl. Toss lightly. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Add mayonnaise and chili sauce to moisten. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill until just before serving time. Slice tops off cream puffs. Fill with crab meat mixture and replace tops.
For miniature cream puffs: place water, butter, and salt in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat. When boiling briskly, add flour all at once, stirring vigorously, and cook until the mixture forms a smooth ball which leaves the sides of the pan clean.
Turn the mixture into a mixing bowl and beat in eggs one at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is thick and shiny and breaks off when a spoon is raised. Drop from the tip of a teaspoon about 1-0.5 inch apart onto a baking sheet. Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes longer. Remove the puffs from the baking sheet and cool on a cake rack.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or lobster for the crab meat for a different flavor profile.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Top the puffs with a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the crab meat mixture before filling the cream puff shells to ensure that the flavors have time to meld together.

- When making the cream puff shells, be sure to beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth and shiny dough.

- To ensure that the cream puff shells are light and airy, be sure to bake them at a high temperature initially, then reduce the heat to finish baking.

Serving Suggestions

Miniature Crab Rice Puffs can be served as an appetizer at a cocktail party or as a light lunch or dinner alongside a salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the cream puff dough vigorously to ensure a smooth and shiny texture.

- Chill the crab meat mixture before filling the cream puff shells to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cooked shrimp or lobster instead of crab meat.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option.

- Use gluten-free flour for the cream puff shells for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

The crab meat mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fill the cream puff shells. The cream puff shells can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until ready to fill.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Miniature Crab Rice Puffs on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of chili sauce for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Miniature Crab Rice Puffs pair well with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Miniature Crab Rice Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the puffs on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Miniature Crab Rice Puffs contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Miniature Crab Rice Puffs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Miniature Crab Rice Puffs contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Miniature Crab Rice Puffs contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Miniature Crab Rice Puffs are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Miniature Crab Rice Puffs contain shellfish, eggs, and gluten.

Summary

Miniature Crab Rice Puffs are a delicious and elegant appetizer that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in proteins. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Miniature Crab Rice Puffs are a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any special occasion. Filled with a flavorful mixture of crab meat, rice, and other ingredients, and served in delicate cream puff shells, these puffs are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a piece of paper that looked like it had been torn out of a magazine. It was titled "Miniature Crab Rice Puffs," and the ingredients listed made my mouth water.

I had always loved cooking, and trying out new recipes was a passion of mine. The idea of combining crab, rice, and puff pastry into a bite-sized treat sounded absolutely delicious. I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing to make the recipe.

As I mixed together the crab meat, cooked rice, cream cheese, and seasonings, the kitchen was filled with the most delicious aroma. I couldn't wait to see how these miniature puffs would turn out. After spooning the mixture onto squares of puff pastry and folding them into small pockets, I popped them into the oven to bake.

The moment I pulled the Miniature Crab Rice Puffs out of the oven, I knew I had struck gold. The puff pastry was perfectly golden brown, and the smell of the crab and spices wafted through the air. I couldn't resist taking a bite right then and there, and I was instantly hooked.

I shared the Miniature Crab Rice Puffs with my family and friends, and they were an instant hit. Everyone raved about how delicious they were, and begged me to make them again. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

As I continued to make the Miniature Crab Rice Puffs over the years, I experimented with different variations. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Each time I made them, they brought smiles to the faces of those who enjoyed them.

One day, while shopping at the local farmer's market, I ran into an old friend who was a chef at a five-star restaurant. When I mentioned the Miniature Crab Rice Puffs to him, his eyes lit up with excitement. He asked if I would be willing to share the recipe with him, as he thought it would be a perfect addition to his menu.

I was thrilled at the thought of my recipe being featured in a renowned restaurant, and I gladly gave him a copy of the recipe. A few weeks later, I received a call from my friend, telling me that the Miniature Crab Rice Puffs had become a best-seller at the restaurant. Diners couldn't get enough of them, and they were constantly requesting more.

Knowing that my recipe was being enjoyed by so many people brought me immense joy. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. The Miniature Crab Rice Puffs had become more than just a recipe to me - they were a symbol of the love and passion I put into my cooking.

As I look back on that hot summer day when I first discovered the recipe for Miniature Crab Rice Puffs, I am filled with gratitude. It was a moment that changed my life and brought me closer to my love of cooking. And now, whenever I make these delectable treats, I am reminded of the journey that led me to them and the joy they bring to all who taste them.