Crab Enchilado: The True Cuban Coastal Flavor
Want to give your table an authentic touch? Crab enchilado is one of those seaside dishes that win over palates with its bold sauce and unmistakable flavor. Here’s how to make it at home with easy steps and plenty of Cuban flair.
🦀 Ingredients for Crab Enchilado
- 6 pounds of crab (claws, bodies, and legs)
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- Hot pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 cup dry wine or white wine
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 4 ounces roasted red peppers with their liquid
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 cloves of garlic
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1️⃣ Prepare the vegetable base
Start by chopping the bell peppers and onion into small cubes to ensure even cooking. Set aside.
2️⃣ Aromatic sofrito
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped peppers first and, once they begin to soften, add the onion.
3️⃣ Make the garlic paste
Crush the garlic cloves with a pinch of salt in a mortar. Add the whole black peppercorns and continue grinding. Mix in half of the finely chopped parsley.
4️⃣ Bring flavors together
Add the garlic paste to the sofrito, incorporate the bay leaves, and sauté for a few minutes to release their aroma.
5️⃣ Add seasonings and sauce
Pour in the roasted red peppers with their liquid, add the Worcestershire sauce and the dry or white wine. Increase the heat to let the alcohol evaporate.
6️⃣ Add the crab
Stir in the tomato sauce and ketchup until well combined. Then add the crab pieces, hot pepper to taste, and vinegar. Mix well so everything is coated with the sauce.
7️⃣ Final cooking
Lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let cook for about 45 minutes, until the sauce thickens and thoroughly coats the crab.
ℹ️ Helpful Information
- Yields: 6 generous servings
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Category: Fish & Seafood
- Cuisine: Cuban
✅ Chef’s Tips
- Use fresh crab for the most authentic flavor.
- Serve with white rice and fried green plantains (tostones) to complete the meal. You can also serve it with traditional Cuban cornmeal.
- Adjust the level of heat to your taste and that of your guests.
🏷️ Suggested Tags
crab enchilado, Cuban recipe, seafood, Creole cuisine, tomato sauce, traditional Cuban food, seaside dish
📣 Tell Us About Your Experience!
Did you try making this enchilado? Leave a comment, share your photos, and don’t forget to follow the blog to discover more traditional Cuban recipes. Enjoy your meal and see you next time!
For the Spanish version, visit: Enchilado de Cangrejo: Plato Tradicional Marino Cubano.
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