Creamy Butter Garlic Crab

Short Description

Creamy Butter Garlic Crab is a rich and indulgent seafood dish featuring succulent crab cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a touch of cream. This restaurant-quality dish is packed with bold flavors and makes for a perfect special occasion meal or a luxurious seafood feast at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy, and full of garlic butter flavor
• Perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions
• Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
• Pairs well with rice, bread, or pasta
• Customizable with spices and herbs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crab:

• Fresh or frozen crab, cleaned and cut into pieces
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Chicken broth or seafood stock
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Seasoning:

• Salt and black pepper
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crab

1. If using fresh crab, clean and cut it into manageable pieces.
2. If using frozen crab, thaw completely and pat dry.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onion

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Crab

1. Add the crab pieces to the pan and sauté for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth or seafood stock and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in heavy cream and let it cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Parmesan cheese (if using) and stir until melted and well combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the crab.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
3. Serve hot with rice, bread, or pasta.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Coconut Twist: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
• Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic for an extra punch.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add extra Parmesan or melt some mozzarella on top.
• Lemon Butter Crab: Omit the cream and increase the butter and lemon for a tangier taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
• Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain texture.

FAQs

What type of crab works best for this recipe?

Blue crab, Dungeness crab, king crab, or snow crab all work well.

Can I use pre-cooked crab?

Yes! Reduce cooking time and focus on heating it through in the sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed rice, garlic bread, or pasta pair beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat with the crab.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free butter.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook on medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning.

Can I use frozen crab legs?

Yes! Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.

Can I add white wine to the sauce?

Yes! A splash of white wine adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs, making it perfect for a keto diet.

Conclusion

Creamy Butter Garlic Crab is a luxurious and easy-to-make seafood dish that’s packed with rich, buttery, and garlicky flavors. Whether served with rice, pasta, or crusty bread, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy any seafood lover. Try it for your next special meal and enjoy restaurant-quality crab at home!

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