Crab Omelet
A luxurious yet simple breakfast featuring sweet, delicate Dungeness crab meat and nutty Swiss cheese folded into fluffy, golden eggs. Finished with fresh chives, it's a taste of the Pacific Northwest perfect for a special brunch.
For 2 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Egg Mixture and Filling
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until the mixture is pale, uniform, and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds. Do not over-whisk.
- c.Gently pick through the crab meat to ensure there are no shells. If using large lumps, break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Warm the Crab Filling
- b.Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in an 8-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- c.Add the minced shallot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- d.Add the crab meat and gently toss to warm through, about 1 minute. Be careful not to break it up too much.
- e.Transfer the crab and shallot mixture to a small bowl and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the First Omelet
- b.Melt 1/2 tablespoon of the remaining butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
- c.Pour half of the egg mixture into the hot skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for 30-60 seconds until the edges begin to set.
- d.Using a silicone spatula, gently push the cooked portions from the edge toward the center. Tilt the pan to allow the uncooked egg to flow underneath.
- e.Continue this process for another 1-2 minutes until the omelet is about 90% set, with the top still slightly moist and glossy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fill, Fold, and Serve
- b.Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese, half of the warm crab mixture, and half of the chopped chives over one half of the omelet.
- c.Using the spatula, carefully fold the empty half of the omelet over the filling.
- d.Let it cook for another 30-60 seconds to fully melt the cheese.
- e.Gently slide the finished omelet onto a warm plate. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Make the Second Omelet
- b.Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining butter, egg mixture, and filling to cook the second omelet.
- c.Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a high-quality 8-inch non-stick skillet. This is crucial for preventing sticking and allowing the omelet to slide out easily.
- 2Keep the heat on medium-low. High heat will make the eggs tough and brown them too quickly before the inside is set.
- 3Don't overcook the eggs before folding. The top should be slightly wet, as it will continue to cook from residual heat after folding.
- 4For an extra decadent omelet, substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère or add a dollop of crème fraîche with the filling.
- 5Serve with a side of buttered sourdough toast and a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Swap
Replace Swiss cheese with Gruyère, white cheddar, fontina, or even dollops of cream cheese for a different flavor and texture.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh dill or tarragon to the egg mixture for a classic pairing with seafood.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the egg mixture for a gentle heat.
Veggie BoostVeggie Boost
Sauté a small amount of finely chopped asparagus or spinach with the shallots before adding the crab for extra nutrients and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein Source
Both eggs and crab meat provide complete proteins, containing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamin B12
This dish is an excellent source of Vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve function, the formation of red blood cells, and DNA synthesis.
Supports Heart and Brain Health
Crab meat is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Provides Essential Minerals
Crab and Swiss cheese contribute important minerals like zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and calcium, which support immune function and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Crab Omelet contains approximately 480-520 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used, particularly the fat content of the cream and cheese.