Garlic Crabs
Juicy blue claw crabs infused with garlic, seasoned with bay spices, perfect for sharing with friends over beer or white wine. Rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 8 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Separate garlic into cloves, mash, and add to boiling water with salt, bay seasoning, and bay leaf.
- Add the crabs to the boiling water.
- Bring to a second boil and then remove the crabs from the water.
- Remove the claws from the crabs.
- Take off the top shell, clean, cut in half, and put the crabs back in the pot.
- Let the crabs stand for 20 minutes to ½ hour.
- Remove all crabs and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, let the crabs soak in the seasoned water for longer than 30 minutes if you have time. If you can't find blue claw crabs, Dungeness crabs are a great substitute. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference; you can add more for an extra garlicky kick. When removing the crab meat, keep a small bowl of melted butter nearby for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the garlic crabs with lemon wedges and a side of melted butter for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Consider serving alongside My Grandfather's Famous Frogmore Stew for a seafood feast or a refreshing coleslaw for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, steam the crabs for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or place them in a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel, heating in short increments to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Crabs contains roughly 59 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1748mg per serving (76% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crabs can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even seasoning and cooking. It’s best to let them sit in the refrigerator overnight to thaw safely.
How do I know when the crabs are done cooking?
Crabs are done when they turn a bright orange color and the meat is opaque and firm. Generally, this takes about 15-20 minutes after adding them to the boiling water.
What can I do with leftover crab meat?
Leftover crab meat can be used in many dishes, such as crab cakes, seafood pasta, or even in a salad. It’s versatile and delicious, adding a touch of luxury to many meals.
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).