Roasted Crab with Leek
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
Roasted Crab with Leek is an elegant dish featuring succulent live crabs paired with tender leeks, garlic, fresh thyme and white wine. The crabs are roasted until perfectly cooked, then finished with lemon, butter and parsley for a refined flavour. With just 20 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking, this restaurant quality meal suits those seeking an impressive yet manageable seafood dinner.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 2live crabs(about 1.5 lbs each)
- 4leeks(white and light green parts, halved lengthwise and cut into 3-inch pieces)
- 6garlic cloves(minced)
- 4 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 237 mldry white wine
- 118 mlchicken stock
- 4fresh thyme sprigs
- 1lemon(halved)
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- 2 tablespoonsunsalted butter
- 2 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the crabs dry with paper towels and season both inside and out with salt and pepper.
Tip: Ensure crabs are completely dry so they roast rather than steam in the oven.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large roasting pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Tip: Don't let garlic brown as it will become bitter.
- 3
Add the prepared leeks to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and develop light golden edges.
Tip: Cut leeks to similar sizes for even cooking.
- 4
Pour in the white wine and chicken stock, then nestle the seasoned crabs on top of the leeks. Add thyme sprigs and lemon halves around the pan.
Tip: The liquid should partially come up the sides of the crabs but not cover them completely.
- 5
Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the crab shells turn bright red and the meat is cooked through.
Tip: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the leg.
- 6
Remove from oven and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated with the pan juices. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Tip: The butter enriches the sauce and brings the flavors together.
- 7
Arrange the crab and leeks on serving plates, drizzle with the pan sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tip: Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious cooking liquid.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Crispy seabass with preserved lemon yogurt
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in just ten minutes flat. Crispy seabass with preserved lemon yogurt is that perfect balance of impressive and effortless, with tangy Greek yogurt and zingy preserved lemon creating a sauce that feels restaurant quality but tastes like home. The seabass gets beautifully golden and flaky while the freekeh provides substantial whole grains packed with fiber and protein. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like you're treating yourself without any fuss.
Beergarita
My go to drink for summer gatherings is this refreshing Beergarita, and let me tell you, it's a total crowd pleaser. The combination of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a cold Corona creates something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Lime juice is packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and the whole thing takes just five minutes to throw together. Best part? It's incredibly budget friendly since you're probably already stocking most of these ingredients anyway.
Yuzu Collins
Have you tried a Yuzu Collins? This is my go to drink when I want something refreshing that comes together in just five minutes. The yuzu juice adds this beautiful citrus brightness that feels fancy but honestly couldn't be easier to make. I love that yuzu is packed with vitamin C, so you're basically getting a little immune boost while you enjoy your cocktail. It's the kind of drink that impresses friends without requiring any special bartending skills, perfect for a casual evening at home.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.