Grilled Crab with Tomato and Garlic Butter
Prep
20 mins
Cook
12 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
This is one of my favorite summer dishes because it comes together in under half an hour and tastes absolutely restaurant quality. Sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic butter create the perfect sauce for grilling fresh whole crabs, and the lemon juice brightens everything beautifully. Crab is packed with selenium, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation. The best part? You need just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep work, making this an impressive meal that won't keep you stressed in the kitchen.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 2whole crabs(cleaned and halved)
- 4 tablespoonsbutter(unsalted)
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 473 mlcherry tomatoes(halved)
- ½ mediumred onion(finely diced)
- 59 mlfresh basil(chopped)
- 3 tablespoonslemon juice
- 2 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped for garnish)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Prepare your grill for high heat, ensuring grates are clean and well-oiled. Pat the crab halves dry with paper towels and brush lightly with olive oil.
Tip: Dry crabs will char better and absorb flavors more effectively.
- 2
Make the garlic butter by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Tip: Watch the garlic carefully to prevent it from burning, which would create bitterness.
- 3
Prepare the tomato compote by combining halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, fresh basil, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
Tip: Let the compote sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 4
Place crab halves shell-side down on the hot grill and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving them, allowing the meat to cook through and develop char marks.
Tip: Resist the urge to flip or move the crabs during this time for best results.
- 5
Flip the crabs carefully using tongs and brush the exposed meat generously with the prepared garlic butter. Grill for another 5-6 minutes.
Tip: The meat should turn opaque and be slightly firm when pressed.
- 6
Transfer grilled crab halves to a serving platter. Spoon the fresh tomato compote over the crab meat and drizzle any remaining garlic butter around the platter.
Tip: Serve immediately while the crab is hot and the tomatoes are still fresh.
- 7
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
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