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Crab and Shrimp Melts Recipe

Crab and Shrimp Melts Recipe

5.1 from 22 reviews

This Crab and Shrimp Melts recipe combines fresh white crab meat, creamy avocado, and succulent shrimp on toasted whole grain or sourdough bread, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and a hint of spice. Perfect as a quick, flavorful lunch or light dinner, these melts are easy to prepare and bursting with coastal flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • ½ cup white crab meat, fresh or canned
  • 12 to 16 cooked large shrimp or King Prawns

Produce

  • 1 avocado, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped red chilis (optional)

Spices and Seasonings

  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • Generous pinch of celery salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Other

  • 3 to 4 slices whole grain or sourdough bread
  • 3 to 4 slices Monterey Jack or other mild creamy cheese
  • Dried parsley to garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven broiler (or grill if in the UK) to high to prepare for melting the cheese on top of the assembled melts.
  2. Mash the Avocado: In a large bowl, mash the peeled avocado until smooth to create a creamy base for the seafood mixture.
  3. Combine Seafood Mixture: Add the white crab meat, dried basil, finely chopped red pepper, chopped red chilies (if using), celery salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the mashed avocado. Mix gently to combine all flavors evenly.
  4. Toast the Bread: Toast the bread slices in a toaster until lightly crisp, then transfer to a broiler pan or baking sheet for assembly.
  5. Assemble the Melts: Spread the crab and avocado mixture evenly over each slice of toasted bread. Arrange 4 to 5 large cooked shrimp on top of each slice, then place one slice of Monterey Jack cheese over the shrimp to cover.
  6. Broil Until Golden: Place the assembled melts under the broiler and cook for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle dried parsley over the melts, and cut each slice in halves or quarters before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor, or canned crab meat as a convenient alternative.
  • Adjust the amount of chopped red chilies according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
  • Whole grain bread adds extra fiber, but sourdough offers a nice tangy contrast; use your preference.
  • Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that complements seafood well; substitute with mozzarella or mild cheddar if desired.
  • Ensure shrimp are fully cooked before adding; pre-cooked shrimp are ideal to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crab melts, shrimp melts, seafood toast, avocado seafood recipe, broiled cheese toast, quick seafood meal