Description
Bubba’s Crab Stew is a rich and hearty American seafood stew featuring tender crab meat in a creamy broth loaded with vegetables and seasoned with Old Bay and paprika. This comforting dish is perfect for a flavorful dinner and is served hot garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stew:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh crab meat (lump or claw)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
- Hot sauce (for extra heat, if desired)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and corn kernels, then pour in the seafood stock (or chicken broth). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the Crab and Seasonings: Once the vegetables are cooked through, stir in the crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the crab to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Add the Cream and Lemon Juice: Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes until it’s heated through and creamy. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Old Bay seasoning, if desired.
- Serve: Once the stew is hot and flavorful, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with warm bread or a side salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- Use lump crab meat for a more delicate texture or claw meat for a stronger flavor.
- Seafood stock can be substituted with chicken broth if unavailable, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste, especially when using Old Bay or Cajun seasoning as they vary in spiciness.
- For a spicier stew, add hot sauce to taste when serving.
- This stew pairs well with crusty bread or a light side salad.
