Chilean Pastel de Jaiba (Baked Crabmeat)
4-6
20 minutes
30 minutes
Chilean
Main Dish / Appetizer
Pastel de Jaiba is a delectable Chilean dish that celebrates the rich flavors of the ocean with a creamy and indulgent crab filling. This baked delight features tender crabmeat combined with sautéed onions, a luscious blend of heavy cream and mayonnaise, and melty cheese, all perfectly seasoned with paprika and fresh herbs.
Baked to golden perfection, the dish is topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer that adds texture and contrast to the velvety filling. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet crab, creamy richness, and savory notes, making it a luxurious treat suitable for any occasion—from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.
Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy this comforting seafood classic that embodies the essence of Chilean cuisine!
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound fresh crabmeat (or canned, drained)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated cheese (Chilean cheese or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or cilantro)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (for sprinkling on top)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion, crabmeat, heavy cream, mayonnaise, grated cheese, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
3. Assemble the Dish:
Transfer the crab mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well coated.Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the crab filling. Top with the additional grated cheese.
5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Serve:
Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
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