Print

Authentic Creamy Southern She-Crab Soup with Sherry and Lump Crab Meat

A creamy bowl of homemade she crab soup generously topped with shredded white and orange crab meat.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this rich, velvety She-Crab Soup at home. This Southern classic delivers restaurant-style sophistication using lump crab meat and a splash of dry sherry for deep flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1/2 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry (plus more for serving)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not brown.
  3. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the half-and-half, heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, white pepper, and nutmeg. Heat gently, stirring often, but do not let the soup boil.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of the hot soup liquid to temper it. Slowly whisk the tempered yolk mixture back into the soup. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens slightly more.
  7. Gently fold in the lump crab meat. Heat through for 2 minutes.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of dry sherry. Taste and add salt as needed.
  9. Serve the soup hot, offering extra dry sherry at the table for guests to add to their bowls.

Notes

  • For the creamiest texture, ensure you temper the egg yolk properly to prevent scrambling.
  • Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture in this soup.
  • If you are planning meals, this recipe pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread, similar to what you might find with best meal delivery services focused on comfort food.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/she-crab-soup-creamy-southern-recipe/