The holidays are all about coming together with loved ones for delicious, festive dining. This year, take your meal to the next level with a showstopper dish that’s sure to impress – filet mignon stuffed with juicy crab meat.
From its tantalizing mix of flavors to its stunning presentation, this recipe is the perfect centerpiece for any festive dining celebration.
Ingredients
- 4 filet mignons (about 6 oz each)
- 8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
Equipment Needed
A meat mallet or rolling pin, saucepans, baking sheet, pie weights or dried beans, foil, and oven mitts will all come in handy for preparing this dish. Make sure to pull out your nice plates too – these fillets deserve to be shown off in all their stuffed glory!
Preparation (30 minutes)
Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with foil and pie weights or dried beans.
In a medium bowl, gently mix together the crab meat, cream cheese, mayo, Dijon, and parsley until just combined. Be careful not to break up the crab too much. Season with salt and pepper.
Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the filets to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Place about 1/4 cup of the crab mixture in the center of each filet. Fold the filet up and over the filling and use toothpicks to secure the seam closed.
Brush each stuffed filet generously with olive oil and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake 18-20 minutes until the filets are cooked through to your desired doneness. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F for medium-rare.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, veggies, or salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 25g fat, 30g protein, 3g carbs, 650mg sodium
Country of origin: Originally from France, now popular worldwide
The filet mignon cut is favored for its tenderness. When paired with the crab meat’s natural sweetness and creaminess, it creates a rich, indulgent dish that tastes delicious while still feeling special enough for festive dining occasions.
Both the beef and crab are high in protein and minerals as well. Be sure to seek out sustainably sourced varieties when possible.
Kitchen Tools
A meat mallet, baking sheet, foil, and toothpicks are essential for preparing this recipe. You’ll also want a knife to trim and slice the filets, bowls for mixing ingredients, and an oven mitt for removing the hot baking sheet from the oven.
Investing in good quality cookware makes cooking, and especially entertaining, much more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
A: Yes, canned crab can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain it very well and break up any large lumps before mixing into the filling. The flavor may not be as fresh-tasting, but it’s better than skipping the recipe entirely.
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can assemble the stuffed filets up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate uncovered. Simply add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
Q: What drink pairs well with this dish?
A: A rich, full-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon allows the flavors of the beef and crab to truly shine. You could also opt for a dry Rosé or sparkling wine for a festive feel.
Q: Can other seafood be substituted for crab?
A: Shrimp, lobster, or scallops would all work nicely in place of crab. Just chop or dice them smaller than the lump crab meat.
Q: What sides complement this meal?
A: Mashed or baked potatoes, vegetable medleys, rice pilaf, sautéed greens – really anything starchy or veggies make a great accompaniment. Don’t forget the crusty bread for mopping up extra sauce!
If you’re looking for an impressive yet easy centerpiece for your next holiday feast or dinner party, look no further than filet mignon stuffed with lump crab meat.
Between its decadent blend of flavors and stunning visual appeal, this dish is guaranteed to wow any crowd. Get started in the kitchen and let me know how your guests react – I’m betting this festive dining recipe will become a new festive tradition in your home. Bon appétit!
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