Creamy She Crab Soup Recipe for a Cozy Night In

This creamy She Crab Soup is a cozy Southern delight, perfect for warm nights, featuring tender lump crab meat and a hint of sherry.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 cups

Course: Soups

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Feel free to use olive oil as a dairy-free alternative.
1 medium Yellow Onion Diced.
1 stalk Celery Chopped.
1 medium Carrot Optional, grated.
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Use cornstarch for gluten-free.
4 cups Seafood Stock Chicken stock may be used.
1 cup Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream Non-dairy cream is a lighter option.
1/4 cup Dry Sherry Substitutes: white wine or omit.

For the Seasoning

1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning Can make your own mix.
1 teaspoon Ground White Pepper Use black pepper if preferred.
to taste Salt Adjust according to stock saltiness.
1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika for warmth.
to taste Cayenne Pepper Optional for heat.

For the Finishing Touches

1 pound Lump Crab Meat Opt for fresh crab for best results.
to taste Crab Roe Optional.
to taste Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives For garnish.

Equipment

Medium Pot

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for She Crab Soup

Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion, chopped celery stalk, and grated carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until light golden.
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of seafood stock and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of half-and-half or heavy cream, then season with Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and pepper, simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
Add 1 pound of lump crab meat, gently stirring not to break lumps. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of dry sherry. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 18gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Maintain a gentle simmer to keep crab tender. Use quality crab meat for best flavor. Adjust salt based on seafood stock used. Feel free to add shrimp or corn for variations. If too thin, whisk in more flour or cornstarch gradually.

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