Spicy Crab Toast from Justin Ernsberger

Spicy Crab Toast from Justin Ernsberger, Executive Chef, Grand Central Oyster Bar BROOKLYN. The soon-to-open Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn (mid-November 2013), located at 254-256 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, named Justin Ernsberger its executive chef. He is a 1997 graduate of the French Culinary Institute, earning the prestigious Grand Diplome, and gained experience at such renowned New York City eateries as Aquagrill and Jean-Georges. Ernsberger says: "I love the complexity of the market, and the availability of so many different types of seafood that allow you to work with so many ingredients. People just go bonkers over shellfish, There’s really a cult following." Here is his recipe for Spicy Crab Toast, which will be on the menu daily at the Oyster Bar Brooklyn. For more information contact: [e-mail].

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 1
• Yields: 6 pieces of bread

Ingredients

• 1  lb lump crabmeat (already cooked)
• 1  teaspoon  minced garlic
• 1  teaspoon  pepperoncini peppers, flakes or 1  teaspoon  red chili pepper flakes
• 1  teaspoon  sliced scallion, green part
• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1  tablespoon  chopped parsley
• 2  ounces dry white wine
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 1  teaspoon olive oil
• 6  slices  crusty bread
•  lemon zest (to garnish)

Directions

1. In a large sauté pan over medium heat , add the olive oil and toast both sides of the bread to a nice golden brown. Set them aside on paper towel to cool and season with a pinch of salt.
2. In a sauté pan over medium heat add the butter, garlic, scallion, pepperoncini flakes, parsley and salt. Stirring with a wooden spoon continuously, bloom out the fragrance of these ingredients for 1 min, adjust to a low heat if it starts to color too fast.
3. Next you add the crab (note: it is recommended that you check the crab for any cartilage or shell fragments). Fold the crab into the garlic mixture and season with salt, then add the wine. Continue cooking out the wine until fully evaporated and the ingredients are well mixed.
4. Spoon the crab mix onto the toasted bread and finish with freshly grated lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately and perhaps pair this with fruity Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. This recipe will serve up to six people.