Crabs With Garlic And Butter
Juicy blue crabs infused with garlic, butter, and spices, offering a rich, flavorful seafood experience perfect for sharing and impressing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat beer, vinegar, and crushed red pepper seeds to a boil.
- Add live crabs, cover, and steam for approximately 20 minutes until bright red.
- Remove crabs and allow to cool.
- In a large roaster pan, put butter, crushed garlic, and paprika.
- Heat the mixture slowly until butter melts and flavors combine.
- Remove crab shells and clean out lungs and mustard, then place the crabs in the roaster.
- Baste the crabs with the garlic butter mixture.
- Garnish with Old Bay seasoning and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh blue crabs and ensure they are alive before cooking. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of crushed garlic or use fresh garlic cloves. Consider substituting margarine with more butter or using olive oil for a different flavor profile. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can enhance the dish's freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Yummy Oyster Crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crabs with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce, and consider pairing them with a light salad for balance. For a complete seafood feast, you could also serve them alongside Breaded Shrimp or Baked Stuffed Flounder. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for added brightness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam them lightly or place them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, covering them to retain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent the meat from becoming tough. Consume promptly for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabs With Garlic And Butter contains roughly 917 calories, with 20g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (234% of the Daily Value), iron (134% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 505mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen crabs instead of live ones?
Yes, you can use frozen crabs, but fresh are preferred for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. The steaming time may also be slightly longer to ensure they are heated through.
What can I do with leftover crab meat?
Leftover crab meat can be used in various dishes. Consider making a crab salad or incorporating it into Sarah'S Crab Dip for a delicious appetizer. You can also add it to pasta dishes or omelets for a seafood twist.
Is it necessary to clean the crabs before cooking?
Yes, cleaning the crabs before cooking helps remove any impurities and ensures a better eating experience. Make sure to remove the lungs and mustard before serving, as they can affect the flavor. Proper cleaning also makes the crabs easier to eat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).