Indulgent Crab Soup Recipe: Your New Coastal Comfort Classic Recipe

Introduction

This indulgent crab soup is a perfect coastal comfort classic, combining rich flavors and creamy textures. It’s easy to make and delivers a satisfying seafood experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 whole lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the seafood stock until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in half-and-half or heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the lump crab meat and warm through without breaking up the lumps.
7. Step 7: Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a thicker soup, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
• Fresh seafood stock adds more depth of flavor than chicken broth.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping and extra comfort.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat for this soup?

Yes, canned crab meat can be used, but fresh or lump crab meat provides a better texture and flavor.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

You can substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free cream for a similar richness, but it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Indulgent Crab Soup Recipe: Your New Coastal Comfort Classic Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 142 reviews

Indulge in this rich and comforting coastal classic—an indulgent crab soup that combines tender lump crab meat with a creamy, flavorful broth seasoned to perfection with Old Bay and paprika. This luscious soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, delivering the sweet essence of the sea with every spoonful.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Coastal American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauté Base

• 2 tablespoons Butter (Adds richness and flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Helps sauté vegetables.)
• 1 chopped Onion (Provides sweetness.)
• 2 stalks Celery (Contributes fresh flavor.)
• 1 medium Carrot (Adds natural sweetness.)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Infuses warm flavor.)

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon Flour (Thickens the soup.)
• 4 cups Seafood Stock or Chicken Broth (Forms the savory base.)
• 1 cup Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream (Creates a rich texture.)

Seasoning and Finish

• 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (Enhances seafood flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (Adds depth.)
• to taste Salt (Essential for seasoning.)
• to taste Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
• 1 pound Lump Crab Meat (Provides sweetness and texture.)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Adds freshness.)
• 1 whole Lemon Wedges (Enhances flavor.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it becomes aromatic, taking care not to burn it.
3. Thicken the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
4. Add Stock: Gradually whisk in the seafood stock (or chicken broth) to the pot, ensuring a smooth mixture without lumps. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
5. Incorporate Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream, followed by the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to develop a rich, creamy texture and balanced seasoning.
6. Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, warming it through carefully without breaking the delicate lumps to maintain texture and freshness.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the finished soup into warm bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to brighten the flavors before enjoying.

Notes

• Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor; canned or imitation crab are not recommended.
• If seafood stock is not available, chicken broth is a suitable alternative but will alter the flavor slightly.
• Adjust Old Bay seasoning and salt carefully after adding crab meat, as seafood can be naturally salty.
• The soup can be reheated gently on the stovetop; avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling.
• Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.

Keywords: crab soup, creamy crab soup, seafood soup, coastal recipe, Old Bay seasoning, lump crab meat