Description
Bubba’s Crab Stew is a creamy and comforting coastal dinner packed with fresh crab meat and rich flavors. This easy-to-make stew combines tender potatoes, savory seafood stock, and a hint of spices to create a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Dairy
- 1½ pounds fresh crab meat
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
Liquids and Stock
- 4 cups seafood or chicken stock
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Liquids: Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the crushed tomatoes and seafood or chicken stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender, approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors together.
- Add Crab and Cream: Gently fold in the fresh crab meat and heavy cream. Add paprika, Old Bay seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the stew. Simmer briefly for about 5 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld without overcooking the delicate crab meat.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the stew hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a hearty coastal meal.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Seafood stock imparts more depth to the stew but chicken stock can be used as a substitute.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes during simmering.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially the salt and Old Bay seasoning.
- This stew pairs well with oyster crackers or crusty bread.
