By Beleaev Family | International Caviar & Gourmet, Head Office London | beleaev.com
A French omelette filled with fresh white crab is the brunch upgrade that proves technique elevates simple ingredients. Pale, soft, slightly wet at the centre, with sweet crab inside. The technique is the standard French omelette, the filling is what makes it luxurious.
Key Takeaways
- 3 eggs, 22cm pan
- Crab goes inside, gently warmed
- 90-second cook from start to fold
- Light butter, no cream
- 80g of crab per omelette

The Ingredients
Serves 1
- 3 large free-range eggs
- 15g unsalted butter
- 80g fresh white crab meat
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives
- Sea salt and white pepper
- A pinch of cayenne, optional
The Method
Step 1: Prep Crab
Mix crab with lemon juice, half the chives, salt, white pepper, and cayenne. Set aside.
Step 2: Beat Eggs
Crack eggs into bowl with pinch of salt. Beat 15 seconds with fork. Don't over-beat.
Step 3: Heat Pan
Place 22cm non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add butter. Let it foam.
Step 4: Cook
Pour eggs in. Scramble with silicone spatula 30-45 seconds. Stop while top is still slightly wet.
Step 5: Add Crab
Spread the crab mixture down the centre third of the omelette.
Step 6: Fold and Plate
Fold the omelette in thirds over the crab. Slide onto warm plate seam-side down. Scatter remaining chives. Serve immediately.
Tips
Speed matters. 90 seconds total cook.
Slightly wet centre. Residual heat finishes after folding.
Don't add too much filling. 80g of crab is plenty. More overstuffs and breaks the fold.
22cm pan, no bigger.
Variations and Pairings
With caviar: Add a small spoon (5g) of Royal Oscietra on top before folding, or alongside on the plate.
With brown butter: Brown the butter before adding eggs.
With herbs: Add fresh tarragon or chervil for variation.
Wine pairing: Champagne or chilled Sancerre.
For more egg dishes, see our caviar omelette french and crab eggs benedict recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why French style?
The pale, soft, folded omelette is the proper French method. Brown crispy omelettes are American or British.
Can I use brown crab?
Some, but mostly white. Brown is too rich for the delicate omelette.
Make for multiple people?
Cook 1 omelette at a time, in succession. They take 90 seconds each so 4 omelettes in 6-8 minutes.
Filling other than crab?
Same recipe works with smoked salmon, mushrooms, or asparagus.
Further Reading
A French crab omelette on a Sunday morning is one of those breakfasts that elevates the weekend. Discover Beleaev's caviar collection at beleaev.com.
Beleaev is an international caviar and gourmet house headquartered in London, with fulfilment hubs across the UK, Europe, the UAE, and the United States. We deliver responsibly farmed Beluga, Oscietra, Sevruga, and Kaluga caviar to customers in each region within 24 to 48 hours.