Tex-Mex Crab Bites

French Tex-Mex Crab Bites Recipe with Lemon and Cheddar

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tex-Mex Crab Bites are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that combines the fresh taste of crab with zesty Tex-Mex flavors. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or gatherings and are sure to be a hit with your guests.

History

Tex-Mex Crab Bites are a modern twist on traditional crab cakes, which are a popular dish in many coastal regions. By adding Tex-Mex ingredients like hot sauce, cheddar cheese, and hot mustard, this recipe takes the classic crab cake to a whole new level of flavor.

Ingredients

1.5 cups crabmeat, drained
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
0.5 tsp grated lemon zest
1 green onion, minced
2 tbsp fresh minced parsley
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp prepared hot mustard
3-5 dashes of tabasco hot pepper sauce, to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
french bread, sliced into about 16 pieces and toasted
0.5 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

How to prepare

1. Preheat the broiler.
2. In a bowl, combine the crab, lemon juice, lemon peel, green onion, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco.
3. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed.
4. Brush melted butter on the toast rounds and arrange them in a single layer on a broiler pan.
5. Top each toast round with a portion of the crab mixture, followed by 1.5 tsp of cheese.
6. Broil the toast rounds until the cheese is melted and the crab mixture is hot.

Variations

Substitute lump crabmeat for the canned crabmeat for a more luxurious texture.
Add diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the crabmeat well before using it in this recipe to prevent excess moisture.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Toasting the bread rounds before adding the crab mixture helps to create a crispy base for the bites.

- Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning the crab bites.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tex-Mex Crab Bites as a tasty appetizer at your next party or gathering. Pair them with a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the crab bites helps to melt the cheese and heat the crab mixture quickly, creating a delicious and gooey appetizer.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use imitation crabmeat if fresh or canned crabmeat is not available.

- Substitute sourdough bread for the French bread for a tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the crab mixture and toast the bread rounds ahead of time. Assemble the crab bites just before broiling to ensure they are fresh and hot.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Tex-Mex Crab Bites on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tex-Mex Crab Bites with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing and satisfying appetizer experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover crab bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tex-Mex Crab Bites contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tex-Mex Crab Bites contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tex-Mex Crab Bites contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tex-Mex Crab Bites contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tex-Mex Crab Bites are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Tex-Mex Crab Bites contain shellfish, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Tex-Mex Crab Bites are a well-rounded appetizer that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tex-Mex Crab Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the flavors of crab with zesty Tex-Mex ingredients. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a hot summer day in Texas, and my dear friend Maria had invited me over for a cookout in her backyard. Maria was a talented cook, and she always had a way of making the most delicious dishes with simple ingredients.

As I arrived at her house, I could already smell the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meats and spices wafting through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a bright smile, leading me to the backyard where a table full of food awaited us.

Amongst the spread of dishes, one in particular caught my eye - Tex-Mex Crab Bites. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of crab meat, corn, and spices sounded intriguing. Maria noticed my curiosity and offered me a taste.

With one bite, I was hooked. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the crab meat, the crunch of the corn, and the kick of the spices all melded together perfectly. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Maria, being the generous soul that she was, eagerly shared the recipe with me. She explained how she had learned it from a friend who had spent years living in Mexico and had picked up the art of Tex-Mex cooking along the way.

I jotted down the ingredients and instructions on a piece of paper, making sure to ask Maria for any tips or tricks she had picked up over the years. She shared her wisdom with me, telling me to always use fresh crab meat if possible and to not skimp on the spices.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I headed home and set to work in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients - lump crab meat, corn kernels, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and plenty of cheese.

I began by sautéing the vegetables until they were tender and fragrant, then added in the crab meat and spices. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew I was onto something special.

Next, I mixed in the corn and cheese, allowing everything to meld together into a gooey, flavorful mixture. I spooned this filling onto tortilla chips and popped them in the oven to bake until the cheese was melted and bubbly.

As I took my first bite of the finished product, I closed my eyes and savored the explosion of flavors on my taste buds. The Tex-Mex Crab Bites were a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory - a true testament to the fusion of Mexican and Texan cuisine.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family and friends, who all marveled at the unique combination of flavors. They begged me for the recipe, and I happily obliged, passing on the tradition that had been shared with me.

Over the years, I have made these Tex-Mex Crab Bites countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. They have become a staple at family gatherings and parties, always disappearing within minutes of being served.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day at Maria's cookout, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships that have brought me so many wonderful recipes. The Tex-Mex Crab Bites will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that cooking and sharing food can bring.

So here's to the memories made in the kitchen, and the delicious dishes that bring us together. And to Maria, the friend who introduced me to the magic of Tex-Mex Crab Bites - thank you for sharing your recipe and your friendship. It's a gift that I will cherish forever.