Roasted Crab with Garlic
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
Succulent crab legs kissed with aromatic garlic butter and roasted until golden, delivering a luxurious seafood experience with crispy edges and tender, sweet meat.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 2whole crabs(about 1.5 lbs each, cleaned)
- 6 tablespoonsbutter(divided)
- 12garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoonsfresh parsley(finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper(freshly ground)
- 118 mlwhite wine(dry)
- 2 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange oven racks in the middle position.
Tip: A hot oven ensures the crab develops a beautiful golden exterior while staying tender inside.
- 2
Pat the crabs dry with paper towels and season the cavities and exterior generously with salt and black pepper.
Tip: Dry crabs roast better and allow the seasonings to adhere properly.
- 3
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Tip: Watch carefully to prevent the garlic from burning, which would make it bitter.
- 4
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, white wine, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, red pepper flakes, and half of the fresh parsley.
Tip: Adding butter off heat keeps the garlic from overcooking.
- 5
Place the crabs in a large roasting pan, then pour the garlic butter mixture over and around them, coating generously.
Tip: Reserve some garlic butter for basting halfway through cooking.
- 6
Drizzle the olive oil over the crabs and roast uncovered for 20-25 minutes, basting with the pan juices halfway through.
Tip: The crab shell will turn a deeper red and the meat will be opaque when fully cooked.
- 7
Remove from the oven and transfer the crabs to a serving platter, pouring the remaining garlic butter sauce over the top.
Tip: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- 8
Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping in the garlic sauce.
Tip: Provide small bowls for discarded shells and extra napkins for easy enjoyment.
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