Trillium Cafe in Mendocino, California is one of those places that as soon you enter, you already know your meal will be great. Our table overlooked the garden growing many of the plants and flowers used in the food. To most, that speaks to the care that goes into every dish here. I love crab, especially the Dungeness variety. I ordered a Dungeness crab strudel with Meyer lemon marmalade. It was pure heaven; the crab was fresh, a little sweet and the lemon was the perfect foil to the delicate crustacean. Trillium Cafe hit all the marks for me, and I highly recommend you paying them a visit for a truly memorable lunch or dinner. Now here’s the best part: I have the Dungeness crab recipe to share with you. Just be sure to get only the freshest crab possible from your local fish monger.
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Trillium Cafe’s Dungeness Crab Strudel with Lemon Marmalade
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 -12 strudels
Description
Lush Dungeness crab meat, Meyer lemon and Phyllo dough create the perfect savory and tender strudel you can taste at “Mendo’s” Trillium Cafe or make yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 package of phyllo dough (thawed)
- 2 lbs (900 g) of fresh Dungeness Crab Meat
- 1 cup (240 ml) Onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Celery (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tsp grated lemon peel
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) plain bread crumbs
- salt & pepper
- Melted butter, for brushing phyllo
- Store bought or homemade Meyer Lemon Marmalade, for serving
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Sauté onions and celery for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add spices and sauté another minute.
- Let cool.
- Place crab, onion, celery and spices in a bowl with remaining ingredients, combine.
- Lay out 3 sheets of phyllo dough, brush each individual sheet with melted butter, layering them until you have 3 or 4 layers of phyllo dough.
- Place 1/2 cup filling in dough, and fold ends in, and roll up like a burrito.
- Bake for 12 minutes, or until the top is lightly brown. Slice and serve.
- Serve warm with the Meyer lemon marmalade.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 strudel
- Calories: 220
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of crab should I use for the strudel?
You should use fresh Dungeness crab for the strudel, as it has a sweet flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
How do I ensure the pastry stays flaky when baking the strudel?
To achieve a flaky pastry, make sure to handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it, and keep the ingredients, especially the butter, cold before baking.
Can I substitute another citrus for the Meyer lemon marmalade?
While Meyer lemon marmalade is recommended for its unique sweetness and flavor, you can use regular lemon marmalade or even orange marmalade as a substitute.
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- Crab Cakes with Apricot Chili Aioli
- Party Food: Shrimp and Crab Crostini
- Simple Crab Dip and Wonton Chips
- Crab Rangoon Dip and Wonton Chips
Ok, this is so decadent!