garlic buttered crab recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
garlic buttered crab recipe
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The Best garlic buttered crab recipe

I’ve always been a huge fan of seafood, and one of my favorite dishes to make is garlic buttered crab. It’s a classic recipe that’s been around for decades, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular – the combination of succulent crab meat, rich garlic butter, and a hint of lemon is absolute perfection.

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family, they were all blown away by how delicious it was. My kids, who can be pretty picky eaters, devoured every last morsel and asked for seconds (and even thirds!)

It’s become a staple in our household, and I love serving it at family gatherings or special occasions. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make – just be sure to have some crusty bread on hand to mop up all that delicious butter sauce!

The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for pasta or rice. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – crab is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great choice for those looking to add more seafood to their diet.

Plus, the garlic butter adds a boost of antioxidants and flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied but not stuffed. I could go on and on about how much I love this recipe, but suffice it to say that it’s a game-changer for any seafood lover out there.

Garlic Buttered Crab

Garlic Buttered Crab

4.9 from 581 votes

Succulent crab legs are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a decadent seafood dish. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a special dinner or a festive gathering.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crab

2 lbs crab legs (king or snow crab), thawed if frozen
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Place the crab legs in a steamer basket or directly in the pot, cover, and steam for 5 to 7 minutes until they are heated through and turn bright red.
3Remove the crab legs with tongs and set them aside on a cutting board.
4In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
5Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
6Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
7Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut the crab legs along the shell to expose the meat.
8Arrange the prepared crab legs on a serving platter.
9Pour the warm garlic butter sauce evenly over the crab, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Colander
Small saucepan
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Serving platter

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Watch Video Of How Garlic Buttered Crab Works

To store leftover garlic buttered crab, place the crab and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. When you are ready to reheat, warm the crab gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Avoid microwaving because it can make the meat rubbery. For serving, I like to arrange the crab on a platter with lemon wedges and extra garlic butter on the side.

This recipe works beautifully for family gatherings because it feels special but does not require hours in the kitchen. It is always a good idea for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, and it brings everyone together around the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Buttered Crab

What type of crab should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use any type of crab meat you like best – jumbo lump, flaked, or even imitation crab meat if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Just be sure to check the ingredients list carefully to ensure that the brand you choose doesn’t contain any added preservatives or flavorings.

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