Ovenroasted Dungeness Crab with Garlic Herb Butter

- Recipe Introduction
- Easy Oven-Roasted Dungeness Crab: It’s Simpler Than You Think
- What You'll Need to Make This Baked Dungeness Crab
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Cracking the Code: The Best Oven-Roasted Dungeness Crab
- Recipe Notes for Absolutely Delicious Oven Roasted Dungeness Crab
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Ever had that moment? You crave something fancy, but can't be bothered with a restaurant? Me too. That's why I'm sharing my The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab recipe.
Honestly, it's so good, your mates will think you slaved over it for hours.
Quick Hook
Want restaurant worthy crab without the fuss? This oven-roasted Dungeness Crab Recipe delivers big flavor. It's bursting with garlic and herbs. Oh my gosh, you won't believe how simple it is!
Brief Overview
This Pacific Northwest Seafood is a total showstopper. It's surprisingly easy and rooted in tradition. This recipe is great for cooks of all levels.
It takes under an hour. Two can share a crab.
Main Benefits
Crab is packed with protein. This recipe is perfect for a Special Occasion Crab Dinner . It's restaurant worthy, made easy at home.
No need to wait to experience Restaurant Worthy Crab at Home .
Easy oven-roasted Dungeness Crab: It’s Simpler Than You Think
I use my granny's special garlic herb butter. This Garlic Herb Butter Crab is incredibly flavorful. It's the key to that rich, savory taste. You know?, good butter makes everything better.
What You'll Need to Make This Baked Dungeness Crab
Okay, here's the super simple list of what you need for The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab :
- 1 whole Dungeness crab (around 2-2.5 lbs)
- 1 cup melted unsalted butter
- 6 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon
I swear, this recipe is easier than ordering takeaway. Trust me, once you try this Easy Crab Recipe , you'll never go back to plain boiled crab.
It's time for a Dungeness Crab Feast !
Ingredients & Equipment
So, fancy cooking up some The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab ? Let's gather our bits and pieces. Honestly, it's easier than you think.
This oven-roasted Dungeness Crab is seriously amazing, and you can make Restaurant Worthy Crab at Home. I actually made this for my anniversary a few years back.
My husband still raves about it!
Main Ingredients for Your Crab Food
Here's what you'll need for this Easy Crab Recipe :
- 1 whole Dungeness crab , about 2-2.5 lbs (900g-1.1kg). Fresh is best, obviously! If you're getting a live one, make sure it's lively, you know?
- 1 lemon, halved.
And for that glorious garlic herb butter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, melted. Don't scrimp on the butter, ok?
- 6 cloves garlic, minced. Seriously, mince it fine.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste).
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground).
Quality check time for the crab: it should smell fresh. No weird, overly fishy smells, alright? I remember once getting a crab that was a bit…suspect. Never again.
Seasoning Notes: Garlic Herb Butter Crab Magic
Right, let's talk flavours for Garlic Herb Butter Crab . The garlic, parsley, chives, and thyme are essential. That combo is heaven! Need a sub? Dried herbs will do in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
For flavour enhancers, a little lemon zest goes a long way. Red pepper flakes give it a nice kick! Honestly, that simple twist makes it a great Pacific Northwest Seafood feast
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- A big roasting pan.
- A small saucepan or microwave safe bowl for melting the butter.
- A pastry brush or spoon for basting.
- Kitchen shears or a big knife. You'll need these for prep.
- Oven mitts. Don't burn yourself.
If you don't have a pastry brush, a spoon works fine. We're not aiming for perfection here. It's about creating a fantastic Special Occasion Crab Dinner without all the fuss.
Remember, Baked Dungeness Crab is a treat for the whole family!
So there you have it! Let's get cooking! Roasted Dungeness Crab Recipe never be easier!
Cracking the Code: The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab
Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? I'm about to spill the beans on my go-to recipe for The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab .
Honestly, it's so easy it's almost embarrassing. Forget the fancy restaurants; we're bringing that Restaurant Worthy Crab at Home . Trust me, once you nail this, you'll be having a Dungeness Crab Feast every other week! Why go out when you can enjoy better than restaurant quality at home? Let's dive in!
Prep Steps: Your Crab Command Centre
Alright, let's get our ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place. We're talking about melting 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter , mincing 6 cloves of garlic , and chopping 1/4 cup fresh parsley , 2 tablespoons fresh chives , and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme .
Zest a 1 lemon . Have a 1 whole Dungeness crab ready to go! It takes 15 minutes tops! Now for the safety bit: If you're starting with a live crab, be careful when handling it.
You know? Those claws can pinch!
From Sea to Sizzle: The step-by-step
Here’s how we turn this amazing crustacean into an oven-roasted Dungeness Crab delicacy:
- Prep the Crab: Dispatch and Clean your crab.
- Whip Up the Butter: Melt 1 cup butter and stir in garlic, herbs, zest and spices.
- Crab Placement: Put crab in roasting pan; squish lemon juice over it.
- Butter Basting Bonanza: Liberally baste with that gorgeous garlic herb butter. Save some for later.
- Roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for 25- 30 minutes . Baste halfway.
Pro Tips: Crab Cooking Secrets
Here's where it gets juicy. This is how you achieve Garlic Herb Butter Crab perfection. Never ever overcook your crab.
It becomes tough and sad. Baste it halfway through. The visual cues for doneness are bubbling butter and a fragrant aroma.
Don't be shy with the butter, get it everywhere! For a make-ahead option, you can prep the garlic herb butter a day in advance.
This Easy Crab Recipe is seriously going to blow your mind, you'll want to share it!
Recipe Notes for Absolutely Delicious oven-roasted Dungeness Crab
Okay, let's talk notes! These are my little secrets. They'll help you nail The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab every single time.
Honestly, I've made this dish so many times, I've learned a thing or two. You know?
Serving Suggestions: Plating Your Dungeness Crab Feast
Forget fancy, we're going for delicious! Presentation counts but is'nt everything, so pile that beautiful oven-roasted Dungeness Crab high on a platter.
Add lemon wedges, obviously . Think crusty bread for mopping up that garlicky butter. A bright green salad cuts through the richness, you know? As for drinks, crack open a cold beer or a crisp white wine.
That complements the flavors of the Pacific Northwest Seafood perfectly.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Leftover Crab Food Fresh
Oh my gosh, leftovers are the best! If you have any. Refrigerate cooked crab immediately in an airtight container. It’ll keep for 2-3 days , max.
Freezing cooked crab isn't ideal, it can get a bit rubbery. But if you must, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months .
For reheating, gently steam it or warm it in the oven with a little extra butter. Please, don’t microwave it!
Variations: Tweaking Your Baked Dungeness Crab Recipe
Let’s spice things up! For a low-carb version, skip the bread. Loads of butter and crab are Keto friendly, you know.
For a seasonal swap, add some roasted root vegetables like parsnips and carrots alongside the crab during the roasting period for a hearty winter Special Occasion Crab Dinner .
Easy peasy!
Nutrition Basics: Enjoy Your Garlic Herb Butter Crab Guilt Free
Crab is pretty good for you! Each serving of this Easy Crab Recipe is packed with protein. It's also loaded with essential minerals.
Think zinc and copper. It's also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are amazing for your heart. Remember, the butter adds fat, so maybe don't eat the entire stick.
So there you have it! Now go forth and make the most amazing Restaurant Worthy Crab at Home . This Roasted Dungeness Crab Recipe is easier than you think, and it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really the best? What makes this oven-roasted Dungeness Crab recipe so special?
Well, we think so! This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor with a generous garlic herb butter that penetrates every nook and cranny of the crab. The oven roasting method ensures even cooking and a beautifully caramelized finish.
Plus, it's surprisingly easy even easier than figuring out what to watch on Netflix tonight!
I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen. Is this oven-roasted Dungeness Crab recipe too challenging for me?
Absolutely not! This recipe is designed to be straightforward and simple. The most "difficult" part is preparing the crab, but even that is manageable with kitchen shears or a sturdy knife. Think of it as your chance to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay, but without the shouting promise!
Can I use pre-cooked Dungeness crab for this recipe, or does it have to be live?
You can definitely use pre-cooked Dungeness crab! Just reduce the roasting time to about 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become rubbery. Think of it as reheating, but with a flavor upgrade fit for a king!
How do I humanely dispatch a live Dungeness crab before roasting?
The most humane method is to place the live crab in the freezer for about an hour. This will numb the crab and render it insensible before cooking. This helps ensure the crab doesn't suffer, because nobody wants to be cruel, especially with such a delicious dish.
What are some fun variations I can try with this oven-roasted Dungeness Crab recipe?
Get creative! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the garlic herb butter for a spicy kick. For an Asian inspired twist, substitute some of the salt with soy sauce and add grated ginger and sesame oil.
You could even sub out the butter for olive oil for a lighter version the possibilities are endless! Just make sure you still make The Best oven-roasted Dungeness Crab for your twist.
How should I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Leftover roasted Dungeness crab should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, being careful not to overcook it. Nobody wants leftover crab to go to waste!
Ovenroasted Dungeness Crab With Garlic Herb Butt

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 800 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 65g |
| Fiber | 7g |