Gratin of Chilean Crab

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of a classic **Gratin of Chilean Crab**, a recipe that brings sophistication to your table with minimal effort. This rich and creamy seafood dish features sweet and tender Chilean crab meat folded into a velvety béchamel sauce infused with garlic, shallots, and a splash of dry white wine for depth of flavor. Topped with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust, this gratin is baked to perfection, offering a delightful contrast of textures in every bite. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a decadent main course, it’s a showstopping dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a crisp green salad. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is both approachable and impressive, making it ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of indulgence. Keywords: Chilean crab gratin, creamy seafood casserole, baked crab dish, elegant seafood recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Chilean crab meat
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 400 milliliters Whole milk
• 100 milliliters Heavy cream
• 100 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 50 grams Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1 medium Shallot (finely minced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 60 milliliters Dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 pinch Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish or individual ramekins with olive oil and set aside.

Step 2

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced shallot and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 3

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid browning.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to create a smooth béchamel sauce. Continue to cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the Parmesan cheese (reserve a small handful for topping), lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Fold in the Chilean crab meat and parsley into the béchamel sauce. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 7

Transfer the crab mixture into the prepared baking dish or ramekins, spreading it evenly.

Step 8

In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil and the reserved Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the gratin.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling around the edges.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and allow the gratin to cool slightly for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with a pinch of paprika and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm as an appetizer with crusty bread or as a luscious main dish alongside a crisp green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1363.6 grams (1363.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2182

Total Fat 129.70g	166%
Saturated Fat 69.80g	349%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.80g
Cholesterol 587mg	196%
Sodium 6338mg	276%
Total Carbohydrate 83.40g	30%
Dietary Fiber 6.40g	23%
Total Sugars 26.00g
Protein 149.80g	300%

Vitamin D 182IU	907%
Calcium 2072mg	159%
Iron 10mg	55%
Potassium 2467mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.6%

Protein: 28.5%

Carbs: 15.9%