Tangier Island Baked Crab Delight
Experience the taste of Chesapeake Bay with this delightful baked crab recipe, inspired by the serene beauty and culinary traditions of Tangier Island. Nestled at the mouth of the Chesapeake, Tangier Island is known for its rich fishing heritage and the tight-knit community of crabbers and oyster harvesters. This recipe, lovingly typed on an old typewriter, encapsulates the flavors of the island, showcasing the sweet, succulent crabmeat paired with a medley of simple yet delicious ingredients. The dish is perfect for sharing, served warm on crusty bread or crispy crackers, making it an ideal appetizer for gatherings or a cozy meal at home. As you savor each bite, you'll be transported to the traditions of a bygone era, where family recipes are cherished and the bounty of the land is celebrated. Enjoy a slice of Tangier Island's culinary history right in your kitchen.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
crabmeat
1 lb (fresh, lump crabmeat)
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (plain or seasoned)
dry mustard
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (or to taste)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
Texas Pete or Tabasco
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
garlic powder
1 pinch
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crabmeat, chopped onion, melted butter, breadcrumbs, dry mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Texas Pete (or Tabasco), egg, Old Bay seasoning, pepper, and garlic powder.
3
Gently mix all the ingredients together, being careful not to break up the crabmeat too much to maintain its tender texture.
4
Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly. For added flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangier Island Baked Crab Delight?
It is a savory baked seafood dish inspired by the culinary traditions of Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, featuring fresh crabmeat and a blend of seasonings.
What type of crabmeat should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 pound of fresh lump crabmeat for the best flavor and succulent texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the mixture for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
What ingredients are needed for the base mixture?
The base includes crabmeat, finely chopped onion, melted butter, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, and a lightly beaten egg.
What seasonings give this dish its flavor?
The dish is seasoned with Old Bay, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of hot sauce.
What kind of hot sauce can I use?
You can use 1 teaspoon of Texas Pete or Tabasco, or adjust the amount to your personal spice preference.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use 3/4 cup of either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs depending on what you have available.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent the crab mixture from sticking to the sides.
Is there a secret to mixing the ingredients?
Yes, mix the ingredients gently to avoid breaking up the lump crabmeat, which helps maintain a tender and chunky texture.
How should Tangier Island Baked Crab Delight be served?
It is best served warm on slices of crusty bread or with crispy crackers as an appetizer.
Can I add a garnish to the dish?
Yes, for added flavor and presentation, garnish the baked crab with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the fishing heritage and family traditions of Tangier Island, located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
What is the role of the egg in this recipe?
The lightly beaten egg acts as a binder to help hold the crab and breadcrumb mixture together while it bakes.
Can I use more mayonnaise if I want it creamier?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons, but you can adjust this amount to taste if you prefer a richer consistency.
Is Old Bay seasoning essential?
Old Bay is a staple of Maryland and Chesapeake cuisine and provides the traditional flavor profile expected for this island dish.
Can I substitute the onion?
The recipe calls for one medium finely chopped onion, which provides essential savory flavor to the bake.
Does this dish contain dairy?
Yes, it contains 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a mild kick from the dry mustard and hot sauce, but you can control the heat by adjusting those specific ingredients.
What is the texture of the finished bake?
The texture is tender and succulent with a slightly golden and crispy top from the breadcrumbs.
Can I use garlic cloves instead of powder?
While the recipe calls for a pinch of garlic powder, you could use very finely minced garlic if you prefer fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Absolutely, it is an ideal appetizer for gatherings and is meant for sharing.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
While this is specifically a crab delight, the same baking method is often used for other Chesapeake seafood like oysters.
How do I know when the dish is done?
Look for a golden brown top and visible bubbling around the edges of the casserole dish.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a depth of savory flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish, though baking times may need slight adjustment.
Is this considered a Maryland-style recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as Maryland cuisine due to the use of lump crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning.
Can this be served as a main meal?
While usually an appetizer, it can serve as a cozy main course when paired with a side salad or vegetables.
What makes Tangier Island seafood unique?
Tangier Island has a rich heritage of crabbers and oyster harvesters, making their seafood recipes deeply rooted in local history.