Garlic-Butter Blue Crabs Delight
Experience a mouthwatering seafood feast with this Garlic-Butter Blue Crabs Delight recipe. Fresh, live blue crabs are boiled to perfection and then bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with parsley and Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for gathering with friends or family, this dish is full of flavor and is guaranteed to impress. The messy goodness invites you to embrace the chaos of cracking shells and devouring sweet crab meat, so be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. Pair it with crusty bread for mopping up every bit of the luscious butter sauce and enjoy a delightful lunch or snack that's sure to leave everyone asking for more!
6
Servings
233
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
live blue crabs
6 (fresh, cleaned)
Old Bay Seasoning
2 tablespoons (optional, for seasoning)
salt
2 tablespoons (for boiling)
butter
1 cup (unsalted, melted)
fresh garlic
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh parsley leaves
1 cup (chopped)
Tony Chachere's seasoning or cayenne pepper
optional, to taste (for added spice)
Instructions
1
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2
Carefully add the live blue crabs to the boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3
Stir in 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning and 2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water.
4
Boil the crabs for approximately 10 minutes or until they turn vibrant red.
5
Remove the pot from heat and allow the crabs to cool until they are safe to handle.
6
Once cooled, gently lift off the back shell of each crab to remove the lungs (which look like 'fingers').
7
Be cautious to leave any roe intact and keep the claws attached for flavor.
8
Using a crab cracker or your hands, crack each crab down the middle, splitting them into two halves.
9
In a deep skillet over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter. Add the chopped garlic, and sauté until fragrant but not browned (about 1-2 minutes).
10
Stir in the chopped parsley and any additional seasoning you prefer for spice.
11
Add the cracked crab halves to the skillet, gently coating them in the garlic butter mixture.
12
Arrange the crabs on a serving platter and pour the remaining garlic butter sauce over them.
13
Serve immediately with plenty of napkins and crusty bread for soaking up the excess butter.
Nutrition Information
17
Fat
2
Carbs
17
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Butter Blue Crabs Delight?
It is a flavorful seafood dish featuring fresh blue crabs boiled with Old Bay and finished in a rich garlic butter and parsley sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 233 calories.
How many live blue crabs are needed?
The recipe requires 6 live, fresh, and cleaned blue crabs.
How long should I boil the blue crabs?
Boil the crabs for approximately 10 minutes until they turn a vibrant red color.
What seasonings go into the boiling water?
Add 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning and 2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water.
How do I know when the crabs are done cooking?
The crabs are ready when their shells turn from their natural color to a bright, vibrant red.
What parts of the crab should be removed before sautéing?
You should lift off the back shell and remove the lungs, which look like small fingers.
Should I keep the crab roe?
Yes, be cautious to leave any roe intact when cleaning the crabs for maximum flavor.
How do I split the crabs for the sauce?
Use a crab cracker or your hands to crack each crab down the middle, splitting them into two halves.
What ingredients are in the garlic butter sauce?
The sauce is made with 1 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of chopped garlic, and 1 cup of fresh chopped parsley.
How do I sauté the garlic without burning it?
Sauté the garlic in the butter for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but ensure it does not turn brown.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can add Tony Chachere's seasoning or cayenne pepper to the butter sauce to taste.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 17 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 17 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
This dish is low in carbs, containing only 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I serve with Garlic-Butter Blue Crabs?
It is highly recommended to serve this dish with crusty bread for mopping up the garlic butter sauce.
Is this a messy dish to eat?
Yes, it is described as 'messy goodness,' so be sure to have plenty of napkins available.
When do I add the parsley?
Stir the chopped parsley into the melted butter and garlic mixture before adding the crab halves.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for both a delightful lunch and a savory snack.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of unsalted, melted butter.
Do I need to remove the claws?
No, you should keep the claws attached to the body for the best flavor and presentation.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
How do I handle the crabs after boiling?
Allow the crabs to cool until they are safe to handle before attempting to clean or crack them.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutritional information, there is no sugar in this recipe.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
No, the fiber content for this recipe is listed as null.
How do I ensure the crabs are fully coated in sauce?
Add the cracked halves to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter mixture before plating.
Should the garlic be chopped or minced?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of chopped fresh garlic.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for fresh parsley leaves to achieve the best flavor and texture in the butter sauce.