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Tuga Pops − Saturday, July 3, 2021, 5 Years ago in Seafood Recipes
5 out of 5 with 7 ratings

Portuguese Stuffed Crab | Best Santola Recipe

Impress your guests with this authentic Portuguese stuffed crab appetizer. Make our fresh santola recheada for a bright and savory chilled seafood dip.
30 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 15 min

Why you will love this Portuguese Stuffed Crab | Best Santola Recipe

Elevate your seafood repertoire with the ultimate Portuguese stuffed crab. This chilled appetizer is the authentic traditional santola recheada with mayonnaise you have been searching for. Perfecting this Portuguese crab shell filling without bread delivers the absolute best cold crab dip for toast.


Ingredients

1 live crab (2 lb / 900 g)8 cups (1.9 L) of water4 1/2 tablespoons (65 g) of salt1 bay leaf1 bunch of fresh parsley1 onion skin1 hard-boiled egg1 tablespoon (10 g) of chopped onion1 tablespoon (4 g) of chopped parsley2 tablespoons (20 g) of chopped pickles1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vinegar2 tablespoons (30 ml) of mayonnaise1 teaspoon (3 g) of breadcrumbs1 pinch of black pepper

Equipment:

Large stockpotMixing bowlChef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring spoonsMeasuring cups

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Boil the crab in the water with the salt, bay leaf, onion skin, and bunch of parsley for 15 minutes.
  2. Let the boiled crab cool completely on a bed of ice.
  3. Open the crab to separate the claws and carefully remove and discard the lungs and feather-like appendices.
  4. Place the chopped insides of the crab, the grated egg, onion, parsley, pickles, vinegar, pepper, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
  5. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and check if the seasoning and consistency are to your liking.
  6. Store the mixture securely in the refrigerator until it is serving time.
  7. Stuff the crab shell with the chilled mixture and accompany with crisp toast when serving.


Recipe Tips

When boiling the crab, ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the live crab to minimize stress on the crab and enhance flavor. Also, cover the pot immediately after adding the crab to maintain heat.
For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the boiling water alongside the bay leaf and parsley. This will infuse the crab with aromatic notes.
Avoid overcooking the crab; generally, boil it for about 15-20 minutes. Overcooked crab meat can become tough and rubbery. Once cooked, immediately transfer the crab to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Aromas com Amor

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
210 kcal
Fat
14 g
Carbs
6 g
Protein
16 g

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use as a substitute for fresh crab if it’s not available?

You can use canned crab meat or imitation crab (surimi) as a substitute. However, the flavor and texture will differ. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from canned crab to avoid a watery stuffing.

How long can I store the stuffed crab mixture in the refrigerator?

The crab stuffing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Make sure to keep it well covered to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

What should I do if my stuffed crab mixture is too dry?

If the mixture is too dry, add a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to moisten it. This will enhance flavor while achieving the desired consistency.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and crisp wine has a refreshing acidity that complements the delicate flavors of the crab.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - Its zesty citrus notes and herbal undertones pair well with seafood dishes, enhancing the freshness of the stuffed crab.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager offers a light and crisp profile that won't overpower the subtle flavors of the crab.

General: Pilsner - The clean, refreshing finish of a Pilsner makes it a great match for seafood, balancing the richness of the crab stuffing.

Other Beverages

Lemonade: A refreshing, slightly tart beverage that enhances the savory components of the dish while cleansing the palate.

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Reviews (2) Add a review

Kareen
Kareen
What pickles are used in Crab (Santola Recheada ?

Kind regards
3 Years ago, Saturday, August 19, 2023

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Kareen, you can use dill, carrots, cauliflower or almost anything.
3 Years ago, Saturday, August 19, 2023

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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