Appetizers

Crabmeat tapas

⏱ 20 min👤 3 pp★★☆☆☆

Today’s recipe is of Hispanic origin: crab tapas, a delicious appetizer to go with a ‘happy hour’ or pre-dinner drink at home. In Spain there is a widespread gastronomic tradition which takes place mainly during the weekend: it is the custom of tapas, moving from one bar to another whetting the appetite here and there with a drink whether alcoholic or not. Tapas are simply the snacks that are served at the counter of the various bars or clubs: typically these might be olives, fried calamari, meatballs, Galician octopus, Russian salad and many others. Among the tapas you might also find ‘pinchos’, small bread canapés topped with various delicious and imaginative ingredients. Today, our chef offers us a true pincho, a tapa made with crabmeat that will undoubtedly delight your guests. Prepare these crab tapas for a drinks party among friends. Offer them along with other delicious savoury titbits and a choice of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
48g
Fat
28g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
Serves 3 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Cut the crab meat into small pieces and place in a bowl. Chop up a bunch of parsley and add to the crab meat. Add the light mayonnaise and a pinch of cumin. Crush a small clove of garlic and add to the mixture. Cut some slices of baguette and toast them. Put a spoonful of crab meat paste on each slice of baguette. On each of the tapas that you make in this way, put a teaspoon of lumpfish roe.

Tips
If you are about to organize a dinner with friends and you’ve overdone the pizza or chips, take some inspiration from Spanish cuisine. There we will find a wonderful variety of tapas, with their unusual flavours that will delight your guests.
Trivia
In Venice there is a similar tradition to that of Spanish tapas. In the ‘bàcari’, local bars in the area stretching from the Bridge of Spires to the Holy Apostles, it is traditional to take a drink - a prosecco for example - and nibble on various "spuncioni". Pensioners and university students alike, like to spend the evening moving from ‘bacaro’ to ‘bacaro’ eating bar snacks and drinking.

Step by step

Preparation of the toasted slices
Preparation of the toasted slices
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Crab Tapas with Surimi

A delicious variant of classic crab tapas involves the use of surimi, an ingredient that makes this dish accessible and within everyone's reach. To prepare crab tapas with surimi, start by cutting the surimi into pieces and mixing it with chopped parsley in a bowl. Add light mayonnaise to keep the recipe light, a pinch of cumin for an aromatic touch, and a crushed garlic clove. Mix everything well to obtain a creamy dressing. Toast slices of baguette and fill them with the surimi mixture. Finally, top each tapa with a teaspoon of lumpfish roe for a visual effect and an even richer flavor. This variant is perfect for those looking for a tasty and original option, without sacrificing freshness and lightness.

Spanish Style Crab Tapas

Spanish style crab tapas represent a typical preparation of Iberian culinary tradition, where each bite is a tribute to the flavors of the sea. To make this version, use fresh crab meat, an ingredient that offers an unmistakable texture and taste. After preparing the dressing by mixing the crab meat with parsley, mayonnaise, and garlic, the secret is to choose good crunchy bread. Toasted baguette is ideal for holding the dressing and providing a pleasant crunch to the palate. Serving the tapas with a glass of Spanish white wine makes the culinary experience even more authentic. This preparation is perfect for an appetizer with friends or for a buffet, bringing a bit of Spain directly to your home.

Light Crab Tapas without Mayonnaise

For those who want a lighter option, light crab tapas without mayonnaise are an ideal choice. Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which maintains a creamy consistency but with fewer calories and fats. The preparation remains similar: combine the crab meat, chopped parsley, and crushed garlic, but this time add Greek yogurt to create a fresh and light dressing. Toast the bread as usual and fill each slice with the mixture. This variant is not only healthier but also offers a lighter and refreshing flavor, perfect for those on a diet or for anyone who simply wants to enjoy an appetizer without guilt. Light crab tapas are a great way to surprise your guests with a tasty and healthy dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Crab Tapas

Crab tapas are not only a tasty dish but also rich in nutritional benefits. Crab meat is an excellent source of lean protein, contributing to a balanced diet. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and overall well-being. Additionally, parsley is an herb rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C, which support the immune system. Regarding calories, a serving of crab tapas can contain about 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing to use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, it is possible to further reduce the calorie content, making these tapas an ideal option for a healthy appetizer or starter.

Can Crab Tapas be Frozen?

If you are wondering whether it is possible to freeze crab tapas, the answer is yes, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze the crab mixture before assembling the tapas. This way, you can keep the flavors and freshness of the ingredients intact. Make sure to store the mixture in an airtight container or in food bags to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw the mixture in the refrigerator and then assemble the tapas with fresh bread. However, it is important to note that once thawed, the tapas should not be refrozen, so it is best to prepare only the necessary amount. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your crab tapas even at a later time!