Crab claws in garlic butter is a delicious and mouthwatering seafood dish that is surprisingly easy to make. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of crab claws with the rich and savory flavors of garlic butter. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1-pound crab claws
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the crab claws to the saucepan and stir to coat them with the garlic butter. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the crab claws are heated through.
- Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the crab claws and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer the crab claws to a serving dish. Serve hot with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Note: You can also broil the crab claws in the oven for a few minutes after cooking them in the garlic butter. This will give them a nice golden brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
This crab claws in garlic butter recipe is perfect for an elegant dinner party or a special occasion. The creamy garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the sweet and tender crab meat. So why wait? Grab some fresh crab claws and give this recipe a try. It’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Preparation of the crab claws
Before cooking the crab claws, it is important to ensure they are properly cleaned and prepared. This involves removing any shell fragments or dirt that may be present.
Step 1: Begin by rinsing the crab claws under cold water to remove any loose debris. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the claws, paying special attention to the joints where dirt can accumulate.
Step 2: Once the claws are clean, use a pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife to carefully crack the shell. Do this by applying firm pressure to the claw shell until it cracks open slightly. Be cautious not to crush the meat inside.
Step 3: After cracking the shell, use your hands or a fork to carefully remove the meat from the claw. Pull it away from the shell, being mindful of any sharp edges. The meat should come out in one piece.
Step 4: Repeat the process for each crab claw until all of the meat has been removed.
Note: Make sure the crab claws are kept refrigerated until you are ready to cook them in garlic butter.
Cleaning the claws
Before cooking crab claws, it is essential to clean them properly to remove any dirt or debris. Follow these steps to clean the crab claws:
- Start by rinsing the crab claws under cold water to remove any loose dirt or sand.
- Use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub the claws gently, paying special attention to the crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
- Next, use a pair of kitchen shears to trim any sharp or jagged edges on the claws.
- You can also remove any excess shells or cartilage by carefully peeling them away.
- Once the claws are cleaned, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
By properly cleaning the crab claws, you can ensure that they are free from any contaminants and ready to be cooked to perfection in garlic butter.
Cracking the shells
Once the crab claws are cooked and coated in delicious garlic butter, it’s time to crack the shells to get to the tender meat inside. This step may seem a bit intimidating, but with a little practice, you’ll become a pro!
To begin, make sure you have a crab cracker or a pair of kitchen shears handy. These tools will help you crack the hard shells without damaging the meat inside.
Start by locating the joint where the claw bends. This is usually the thickest part of the claw. Place the claw flat on a cutting board and grip it firmly with one hand.
With the other hand, take the crab cracker and position it at the joint. Apply gentle pressure to crack the shell. Be careful not to exert too much force, as this can crush the meat inside.
If you’re using kitchen shears, position the blades at the joint and snip firmly to crack the shell. Again, be cautious not to cut through the meat.
Once the shell is cracked, use your fingers or a small fork to carefully remove the shell pieces. Set them aside, as they can still contain some tasty meat.
Finally, use a fork or your fingers to extract the tender crab meat from the cracked shell. It should come out easily and in a single piece if you cracked it correctly.
Repeat the process with the remaining crab claws and enjoy your mouthwatering garlic butter crab claws. Don’t forget to serve them with some lemon wedges and enjoy!
Making the garlic butter sauce
Garlic butter sauce is a delicious accompaniment to crab claws. It adds a rich and buttery flavor that enhances the sweetness of the crab meat. Here is a simple recipe to make garlic butter sauce for your crab claws:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the garlic butter sauce cool slightly.
5. Once the sauce has cooled, pour it over the cooked crab claws.
Note: You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for added flavor if desired.
Now you have a delicious garlic butter sauce to serve with your crab claws. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of crab claws
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Cooking the garlic butter sauce
To make the garlic butter sauce for your crab claws, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Butter | 1/2 cup |
Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
Parsley | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | to taste |
Black pepper | to taste |
To start, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Next, add the chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Continue cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until the flavors are well incorporated and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Your garlic butter sauce is now ready to be drizzled over the cooked crab claws! Enjoy!
Cooking the crab claws
Once you have prepared the crab claws by cracking them open and removing the meat, it’s time to start cooking them in the delicious garlic butter sauce. Follow these simple steps to cook your crab claws to perfection:
Ingredients:
Crab claws | Garlic | Butter | Parsley |
---|---|---|---|
1 pound | 3 cloves, minced | 1/2 cup | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the crab claws to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they turn pink and the meat is heated through.
- While the crab claws are cooking, sprinkle them with the chopped parsley for added flavor.
- Once the crab claws are cooked, remove them from the skillet and serve hot.
Now that you know how to cook crab claws in garlic butter, you can enjoy this delicious seafood dish. Serve it with a side of lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping, and you have a perfect appetizer or main course for any seafood lover.
Boiling the claws
Once you have prepared your crab claws by cleaning them and removing any excess shells, it’s time to boil them. Boiling is a simple and effective method for cooking crab claws, as it helps preserve their natural flavors and textures.
To boil the claws, follow these steps:
Step 1: | Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the crab claws. Add salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the claws. |
Step 2: | Bring the water to a boil over high heat. |
Step 3: | Add the crab claws to the boiling water and let them cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shells turn a bright orange color. |
Step 4: | Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the boiled crab claws from the pot and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess water. |
Once the crab claws have been boiled, they are ready to be served with garlic butter sauce or any other dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy this delicious seafood dish!
FAQ
How do I clean the crab claws before cooking?
Before cooking the crab claws, you need to clean them properly. Start by rinsing the claws under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut off the tips of the claws. Finally, use a small fork or a toothpick to remove the meat from the shell.
What is the best way to cook crab claws in garlic butter?
The best way to cook crab claws in garlic butter is to first melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then add the crab claws to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crab meat is heated through. Finally, squeeze some lemon juice over the claws, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and season with salt and black pepper.
Can I grill the crab claws instead of cooking them on the stovetop?
Yes, you can grill the crab claws instead of cooking them on the stovetop. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the crab claws with melted garlic butter. Place the claws on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the meat is heated through. Make sure to baste the claws with more garlic butter while grilling to keep them moist and flavorful.