Roasted Crab with Artichoke
Prep
20 mins
Cook
35 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
This is one of my favorite dinner party dishes because it looks impressive but comes together in just under an hour. Sweet roasted crab paired with tender artichoke hearts creates something truly special, and the best part is how simple it actually is. Garlic, butter, and fresh thyme do most of the work while everything roasts together beautifully. Artichokes are packed with antioxidants and fiber, making this indulgent meal feel a bit lighter too. Your guests will be amazed, and you'll barely spend any time in the kitchen.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 2whole live crabs(about 2 lbs total, halved lengthwise)
- 8fresh artichoke hearts(halved, choke removed and trimmed)
- 4 tablespoonsunsalted butter(melted)
- 3 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 6fresh garlic cloves(minced)
- 2fresh lemon(zest and juice)
- 4fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspooncracked black pepper
- 118 mldry white wine
- 2 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes(optional)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the crab halves dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them roast evenly.
Tip: Drying the crabs ensures they develop a better golden crust during roasting.
- 2
Prepare the artichoke hearts by removing the fuzzy choke center with a spoon, then halve each heart lengthwise. Toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Preparing artichokes ahead of time speeds up the assembly process.
- 3
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, remaining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Brush this mixture generously over the cut sides of the crab halves and the artichoke hearts.
Tip: Reserve some herb-butter mixture to drizzle over the dish just before serving for extra flavor.
- 4
Arrange the crab halves cut-side up on a large roasting pan, spacing them evenly. Scatter the prepared artichoke hearts around and between the crabs. Season everything with additional salt and pepper.
Tip: Use a pan large enough so pieces aren't crowded, allowing for proper heat circulation.
- 5
Pour the white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan around the seafood. Distribute the thyme sprigs over the crab and artichokes.
Tip: The wine creates steam during cooking, keeping the crab moist while the artichokes become tender.
- 6
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, until the crab shell turns bright orange-red and the artichoke hearts are golden and tender when pierced with a fork.
Tip: Don't open the oven door frequently, as this lets heat escape and extends cooking time.
- 7
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish and scatter fresh chopped parsley on top.
Tip: The resting period allows the crab meat to finish cooking with residual heat while the artichokes become even more tender.
- 8
Serve immediately on a large platter, drizzling the pan juices over everything. Provide crab crackers and small forks for easy meat extraction, and serve with crusty bread to soak up the buttery pan sauce.
Tip: Arrange the platter family-style for an elegant presentation perfect for entertaining.
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