Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood:
Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb (225g) crab meat (lump or claw)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or seafood broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood:
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first. Pat the shrimp and crab meat dry with paper towels and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or seafood broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the Seafood:
- Gently fold the crab meat into the sauce, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat the seafood in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer and Serve:
- Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the creamy crab and shrimp over cooked pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.