Cucumber Cups Stuffed with Spicy Crab
An Irresistible Bite: Cucumber Cups Stuffed with Spicy Crab
Do you ever come across a recipe and instantly think, “I must eat this NOW”? Well, friends, here it is! I stumbled upon this gem on a fantastic food blog called Domestic Fits, and let me tell you, it’s a real winner. Originally, I planned to serve these delightful bites as hors d’oeuvres at a friend’s wedding I helped cater. However, due to the abundance of food, these little treasures never made it to the table. So, I decided to indulge and make them all for myself. I must confess, I did share a few, but let’s be honest, they’re just too delicious to give away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cucumber Cups Stuffed with Spicy Crab are incredibly easy to prepare, using simple ingredients that come together for a fantastic flavor. The recipe yields a generous amount of crab dip, perfect for filling the cucumber cups and serving the rest with bread or crackers. These mini appetizers are protein-packed, low in fat and calories, and rich in essential vitamins like B12. Plus, at just 1 WW point for every 3 cucumber cups, you can indulge without guilt!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Vegetable peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small melon baller
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
Ingredients
- 3 long cucumbers
- 1/4 cup sour cream (use reduced fat for a lower-calorie version)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (use reduced fat for a lower-calorie version)
- 3/4 cup crab meat, excess water removed
- 1 tsp hot pepper sauce (Tabasco or Tapatio)
- 1 tsp brown mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp minced green onion
- Chili powder or paprika for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Remove the peel from the cucumbers using a vegetable peeler.
- Cut the cucumbers into 2-inch slices.
- Using a small melon baller, scoop out most of the inside of each slice, leaving the walls and a thick portion of the bottom intact.
- In a bowl, combine the sour cream and cream cheese with a fork until well blended.
- Add the crab meat, hot pepper sauce, brown mustard, salt, pepper, and minced green onion. Stir until fully combined.
- Fill each cucumber cup with the crab dip.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, ensuring they are served within 2 hours of preparation.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the crab meat is well-drained to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- Chill the cucumber cups before serving for a refreshing bite.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of hot pepper sauce.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different dips in the cucumber cups, such as hummus or a Greek yogurt spread. This recipe is versatile and can be modified to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
These cucumber cups are low in calories and fat, while providing a good source of protein and vitamins, including B12. Perfect for a healthy appetizer choice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cucumber cups ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare and serve these cucumber cups within 2 hours to ensure freshness.
What can I use instead of crab meat?
For a vegetarian option, try substituting the crab meat with finely chopped cooked mushrooms or chickpeas.
A Delicious Invitation
I invite you to try these Cucumber Cups Stuffed with Spicy Crab and experience the delightful combination of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself. Once you’ve given them a go, I’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you tried. Enjoy!