Sweet Dungeness crab is marinated in a quick dressing, topped with a crunchy apple-shallot mixture, and served on little slices of bread spread with mustardy mayo. Don’t forget to save the shells! They make a killer stock.
Ingredients
2 Dungeness crab clusters, thawed Available In Our Premium Subscription Box
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 ½ tablespoons grainy mustard, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ cup finely diced honeycrisp apple, with skin
2 tablespoons minced shallot
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped dill
¼ cup mayonnaise
10 slices cocktail rye bread or lightly toasted baguette slices
Directions
Pickle the Crab
Fill a medium pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Add crab, cover, and steam until thawed, about 5 minutes (crab is already cooked). Drain and let sit until cool enough to handle. Crack the shells and pick out the crabmeat (about 1 c). Tear crab into bite size pieces and transfer to a bowl. In a small bowl combine the vinegar, sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of the mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Fold in the crabmeat and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
Prepare the Toppings
In a small bowl, combine apple, shallot, dill, and lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper. In another small bowl, combine mayonnaise and remaining 1 tablespoon mustard.
Assemble Toasts
Spread mayonnaise mixture onto bread and top with pickled crab. Top with relish and serve.
Note: Reserve the crab shells and steaming liquid separately for stock. Both freeze well for later use.
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Pro Tips
Pair it Up
A dry cider fits the laid-back, easy appetizer energy of these tiny toasts. Bubbles bring a bit of acidity, which complements both the crab and the tart and tangy apple-shallot relish.
Change It Up
Combine any leftover crab and relish with a touch of mayonnaise and serve in lettuce cups for a light and refreshing lunch.
Lighten It Up
For a lower carb or gluten free alternative, swap cucumber or apple slices for the bread.
Level it Up
Add a dollop of créme fraîche for added richness.
