Shelly's Recipe

CRAB-STUFFED JALAPENOS

Category: Seafood

10–12 medium jalapenos
1 tbsp canola oil, plus more for frying
1/4 lb lump crab meat, picked through to remove any bits of shell
3 tbsp cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro leaves
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley leaves
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 1/2 tbsp plus 3/4 cup dried bread crumbs
2 tsp fresh lime juice
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste

Heat oven to broil; arrange a rack 6 inch from heating element. In a small bowl, toss jalapenos with 1 tbsp oil. Transfer jalapenos to a foil-lined baking sheet; broil, turning several times, until blackened, about 12 minutes. Transfer jalapenos to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside to let steam for 15 minutes. Peel the jalapenos. Working with 1 jalapeno at a time, cut a slit down the length of the pepper. Scoop out the seeds with a small spoon (handle carefully so that they stay intact). Set jalapenos aside.

With a fork, vigorously mix together crab, cream cheese, cilantro, parsley, shallots, 1 1/2 tbsp bread crumbs, lime juice, and yolk in a bowl. Stuff each jalapeno with 1 heaping tbsp of filling; transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining jalapenos. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Put remaining bread crumbs into a shallow dish. Put flour into another small dish. Whisk together milk and eggs in a bowl. Working with 1 jalapeno at a time, dredge jalapeno in flour, shaking off excess. Dip jalapeno in egg mixture, roll in bread crumbs, and transfer to a plate; set aside.

Pour oil to a depth of 2 inch into a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 325 degrees. Working in batches, add jalapenos and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Drain jalapenos on paper towels; sprinkle with salt. Serves 4