Ingredients:

  • 2 whole cooked Dungeness crabs (about 2 lbs / 900g each), cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (29.5 ml)
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (113g), softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (30g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (15g)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (3g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (1.25 ml), or to taste (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (1.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.5 ml)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place cleaned crabs on a large baking sheet. Drizzle each crab with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
  4. Evenly distribute the garlic herb butter mixture over the top of each crab, making sure to get some in the crevices.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the butter is melted, bubbling, and the crab is heated through. Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
  6. Remove from oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Provide crab crackers or kitchen shears for easier access to the meat.