Ingredients
Scale
- 4 portobello mushroom caps, 3-1/2 to 4″ diameter
- 8 oz lump crabmeat, see notes
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 2 tablespoons minced sweet onion
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or 1/4 teaspoon dried (see notes)
- 1-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed from 1/2 lemon
- 2/3 cup mild shredded cheese, divided (see notes for recommendations)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pre-bake the mushrooms: Start by removing the stems and gills from your portobello caps. Scraping out the gills is key because they can get watery when baked. Then, give the caps a quick roast in the oven. This pre-bake step prevents them from becoming too soggy later – trust me, I’ve learned the importance of this after a few trial runs where the mushrooms were more soup than stuffing!
- Prepare the filling: While the mushrooms are pre-baking, you’ll mix up the crab stuffing. Make sure to gently fold in the crab so it stays in nice chunks. The beaten egg helps bind everything together, while the panko adds a little crunch.
- Stuff the mushrooms: Divide the crab mixture among the mushrooms and gently press it down. You want a slight mound on each cap for that satisfying bite.
- Bake until golden: After about 10-12 minutes, the filling will set and turn golden. Top with the reserved cheese for the last couple of minutes to get that melty, bubbly finish.
- Serve with lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice really brightens the dish and cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dash of hot sauce adds a little kick.
Notes
Plating & serving suggestions: Make it party-ready!
For a beautiful presentation, place each mushroom on a small plate, drizzle with a little olive oil, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. Pair with a crisp salad for a light meal or serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or baby carrots for a heartier dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner