Crab Oscar Steak Topping

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/7/22
Crab topping heaped onto on a grilled steak, served on a plate with asparagus spears

The Spruce Eats

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
169 Calories
11g Fat
3g Carbs
14g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 169
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 88mg 29%
Sodium 452mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 11mg 55%
Calcium 85mg 7%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 260mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A scoop of creamy crab Oscar on top of a sizzling steak takes surf and turf to a whole new level. The traditional Oscar dish is named in honor of King Oscar II of Sweden, who was very fond of these ingredients. Although the recipe originally featured veal, Oscar is now found on various types of red meats, fish, seafood, and even chicken. No matter what protein you choose, this is a great, easy preparation that can transform a simple meal into a celebratory dinner with few ingredients in just 30 minutes.

Hollandaise or Béarnaise sauces are appropriate for the recipe, and asparagus spears are a must. Some variations use lobster instead of crabmeat, and although it is up to the cook to choose the seafood to use, good quality and juicy crab meat has nothing to envy in nice, moist lobster meat. Our quick recipe makes it very easy for you, as mayonnaise and sour cream create a shortcut to a creamy sauce rather than the more elaborate and technical process to a fancy sauce. The result is just as delicious, minus the work.

With our recipe, you'll have a two-in-one topping, with the crab meat and sauce in a few simple steps. More elaborate recipes make the sauce and separately season the crab meat before topping the steak. This crab Oscar topper can also be used on seafood, especially firm fish such as salmon or swordfish.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped; or to taste

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 pound crabmeat

  • 1 large lemon, juiced

  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream

  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for crab Oscar steak topping recipe gathered

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  2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the onions and cook over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent in appearance and aromatic.

    Onions cooking in oil and butter being stirred with a wooden spoon in a skillet

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  3. Add the celery and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

    Celery added to skillet with onion and being stirred with a wooden spoon

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  4. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, being careful the garlic doesn't brown.

    Garlic added to the skillet

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  5. Add the crabmeat, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate and warm through for about 1 to 2 minutes. The celery should still have a little crunch.

    Crabmeat and condiments stirred together in the skillet with a wooden spoon

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  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the mayonnaise, sour cream, and dry mustard. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.

    Creamy crab mixture with mayonnaise and sour cream added, being stirred with a wooden spoon

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  7. Serve immediately over a freshly grilled steak. Garnish with asparagus spears.

    Crab topping heaped onto grilled steak on a plate, served with asparagus spears on a plate

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  8. Enjoy!

How to Store Crab Oscar Topping

Any unused mixture should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days after preparation. Reheat it on low heat before topping your protein of choice.

Shortcut to Perfect Asparagus

The asparagus on the Oscar preparation is typically steamed, which you can do in the microwave. This retains the bright green contrast:

  • Clean and trim 1 pound of asparagus spears.
  • Dampen a paper towel with plenty of water and place the spears on top.
  • Sprinkle sea salt to taste on top.
  • Wrap the paper towel around the spears and place the bundle in the microwave.
  • Microwave on high for 3 minutes and check for doneness. The spears should be crisp and bright green.
  • If needed, steam in 30 seconds spans.