Charleston She-Crab Soup
Blue CrabSoups & StewsSautéed

Charleston She-Crab Soup

A creamy, elegant soup from the South Carolina Lowcountry made with blue crab meat and crab roe. Rich, warming, and perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6
Medium

Instructions

  1. 1

    Melt butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the roux.

  3. 3

    Slowly whisk in the milk, then the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

  4. 4

    Add the mace and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    Gently fold in the crab meat and crab roe if using. Heat through for 5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat and stir in the sherry. Season with salt and white pepper.

  7. 7

    Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and additional sherry if desired.

Chef's Tips

  • If crab roe is unavailable, crumbled hard-boiled egg yolk can substitute.
  • White pepper is traditional as it doesn't leave visible specks in the creamy soup.
  • This soup is even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

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