Ovenroasted Dungeness Crab with Garlic Herb Butter
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever craved a restaurant quality crab dish at home? The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab recipe delivers exactly that. Imagine succulent, flavorful crab infused with a garlicky, herby butter. Seriously, it's crab food elevated.
Brief Overview
This dish brings West Coast vibes right to your table. Inspired by classic crab feasts, it's surprisingly easy. It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, including only 20 minutes prep time.
One whole crab perfectly serves one hungry adult.
Main Benefits
Seafood lovers rejoice! This oven-roasted Dungeness Crab is packed with protein and healthy fats. Perfect for a fancy date night or a weekend treat.
What makes it special? That incredible Garlic Herb Butter Crab Recipe that elevates the whole experience. You know? it tastes better than any recipe out there.
Craving some Baked Dungeness Crab , but intimidated? Don't be!
This recipe is foolproof. I've tried it a million times. I swear. Honestly, the aroma alone is worth it. Imagine the smell of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen.
Oh my gosh!.
Ready to gather your ingredients? Let's dive in. You will make the best Roasted Dungeness Crab with Garlic
Want to learn How to Roast Dungeness Crab ? Let's get started then.
Right, let's nail down the bits and bobs you'll need for The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab you've ever tasted. Seriously, this is so easy; it's practically a crime.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's break down what you need to nail this oven-roasted Dungeness Crab . We are going to make the best Garlic Herb Butter Crab Recipe .
Don't stress; most of it is probably in your cupboard already.
Main Ingredients
- Two whole, cooked Dungeness crabs, about 2 lbs (900g) each. Try to get them fresh, if you can. It makes a difference. Honestly, the quality of the crab really shines through. Make sure they smell clean, not fishy, you know?
- Two tablespoons olive oil (29.5 ml) . This helps things get nice and golden in the oven.
- One lemon, cut into wedges. Classic pairing, innit?
Garlic Herb Butter Goodness
- Half a cup or one stick of unsalted butter (113g) . Make sure it's softened nobody wants lumpy butter.
- Four cloves of garlic, minced. Because more garlic is always better.
- Quarter cup fresh parsley, chopped (30g) . Adds a lovely freshness.
- Two tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (15g) . These give a subtle oniony flavour.
- One tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (3g) . Proper fragrant, this.
- Half a teaspoon red pepper flakes (1.25 ml) , optional. For a bit of a kick, yeah?
- Quarter teaspoon sea salt (1.5 ml) . Seasoning is key, my friend.
- Quarter teaspoon black pepper (1.5 ml) . Freshly ground, if you've got it.
Seasoning Notes
Don't underestimate the power of good seasoning! The garlic, herbs, and butter are the heart of this dish. If you fancy a bit of a change, a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add a savoury depth.
No fresh chives? Spring onions will do in a pinch. Remember, this is your kitchen, your rules! We want Roasted Dungeness Crab with Garlic and whatever else you want.
Equipment Needed
- Large baking sheet. Essential for roasting.
- Small mixing bowl. For that lush garlic butter.
- Chef's knife. For chopping herbs. Obviously.
- Cutting board. Save your worktop, yeah?
- Oven mitts. Don't burn yourself!
- Crab crackers or kitchen shears (optional). For getting to the good stuff. Or just go at it with your hands I won't judge. We can show you How to Roast Dungeness Crab .
Honestly, that's it. Simple, right? Next, we're gonna get cooking!
Cooking Method: Roasting Dungeness Crab
Honestly, nothing beats cracking into a succulent, oven-roasted Dungeness crab. It's easier than you think. I've had my fair share of crab disasters (undercooked, overcooked, you name it!), but this method? Foolproof.
Let’s dive into the best oven-roasted Dungeness crab recipe.
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise En Place On!
First, make sure you have everything prepped. This is the essential mise en place . Soften the butter, chop those herbs like a pro, and mince the garlic.
Trust me, it makes all the difference. For safety, handle the crab carefully! Those shells can be sharp.
step-by-step Process: From Fridge to Feast
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . This is key for even cooking.
- Place the cleaned crabs on a large baking sheet. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. The blend of garlic herb butter crab recipe will be the star of the show.
- Smother each crab with that glorious garlic herb butter, making sure to get some in the crevices. Nobody wants a dry bite!
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15- 20 minutes , or until the butter is melted, bubbling, and the crab is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 140° F ( 60° C) .
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Crab crackers or kitchen shears are optional, but highly recommended.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Crab Game
Here’s a little secret: partially crack the crab shell before roasting. This lets the butter seep in. Avoid the common mistake of overcooking the crab! It's better to be slightly under than rubbery.
Wanna get ahead? Mix the garlic herb butter the day before. Store it in the fridge.
Ultimately, the goal is to make oven-roasted Dungeness crab a regular treat. The blend of garlic and herbs creates roasted Dungeness crab with garlic that is unparalleled.
This easy Dungeness crab recipe is something you can make at home with little to no effort.
So there you have it! My take on how to roast Dungeness crab. A simple, flavorful recipe that is great for crab food ensoiast.
Try to find whole crab to get the best flavor and presentation. With these tips, you can make the best oven-roasted Dungeness crab at home.
Recipe Notes for the Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab
Right then, before you dive headfirst into making The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab , let's have a quick chat about some bits and bobs to make sure it goes swimmingly.
We’re aiming for crab that's so good, even your nan will ask for seconds! Honestly...
Serving Suggestions: Crabbylicious Presentation!
Fancy plating? Of course, you do! Serve your baked Dungeness crab on a bed of rocket. It's got that peppery bite, innit? Garnish with lemon wedges.
Serve with crusty bread. All to soak up all that glorious garlic herb butter. Think Mediterranean sunshine on a plate.
Side wise? Go classic. A simple green salad is lovely. Or for a bit of posh, steamed asparagus. Ooh-la-la! Wash it all down with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Job's a good'un.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Right, leftovers, eh? Pop any remaining roasted Dungeness crab into an airtight container. Get it straight into the fridge. It will be good for up to 2 days .
Freezing isn’t really recommended. The texture can go a bit funny. But if you must, remove the meat from the shell first.
Reheating? Gently does it. Wrap the crab in foil. Warm in a low oven (around 275° F or 135° C) .
Just until heated through. Honestly, fresh is best. You know?
Variations: Crabby Chameleons!
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne to that garlic butter. Boom! Got yourself a spicy crab.
Watching the waistline? Swap normal butter for a vegan alternative. A good olive oil based spread will do the job! For a seasonal twist, use samphire instead of parsley in spring.
It's salty and sea-like, you know?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!
Crab food , surprisingly good for you! It's packed with protein. It's lean, too. Low in fat. Crabs are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Which is good for your heart, init? Plus, they’ve got vitamins and minerals. Like zinc and vitamin B12. Though, a word to the wise, it can be high in sodium.
Just keep that in mind.
There you have it, some extra tips to make this easy Dungeness crab recipe even easier. Now get cracking! I know you'll make The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab ! And remember, a good Dungeness Crab Recipe at Home beats any restaurant.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Dungeness crab for The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure it's fully thawed before you start. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, as this will help the butter adhere better and prevent the crab from steaming instead of roasting. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, like they say on Bake Off!
How do I clean a Dungeness crab before roasting?
Cleaning a Dungeness crab is easier than you might think! Start by removing the apron (the small flap on the underside). Then, lift the shell and rinse out any guts or gunk. Be sure to remove the gills, which are feathery and inedible.
Rinse the body cavity thoroughly to ensure a clean, fresh start to the roasting process.
What's the best way to tell if The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab is cooked through?
The crab is cooked through when it's heated through and the shell turns a vibrant orange red color. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). Also, give it a gentle poke; the meat should feel firm and slightly springy. Avoid overcooking, or the crab will become rubbery and sad, like a soggy biscuit.
Can I prepare the garlic herb butter for The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, preparing the garlic herb butter a few hours in advance (or even the day before) allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it soften slightly before using.
It's like marinating a good cuppa time makes everything better!
How do I store leftover oven-roasted Dungeness Crab?
Leftover crab should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain its quality and flavor. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
Cold crab meat also makes a fantastic addition to salads or crab cakes a proper "waste not, want not" situation!
Is oven-roasted Dungeness Crab healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Dungeness crab is a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients like zinc and vitamin B12. It's relatively low in fat and calories, making it a healthy indulgence. However, be mindful of the sodium content, and consider using less salt in the garlic herb butter if you're watching your intake.
Balance is key, just like a perfectly brewed pint!
Ovenroasted Dungeness Crab With Garlic Herb Butt
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 45g |
| Fiber | 2g |
