Classic Boiled Crab
Dive into the ultimate seafood experience with this Classic Boiled Crab recipe, a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your table. Featuring fresh blue or Dungeness crabs boiled in a savory blend of Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and bay leaves, this recipe guarantees perfectly seasoned, tender crab meat every time. A quick 10-minute prep followed by a 15-minute cook makes this a go-to meal for weeknights or special gatherings. Serve these vibrant, bright-red crabs with a side of melted butter and zesty lemon wedges for an indulgent feast that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you're hosting a seafood boil or craving a coastal classic, this recipe celebrates the natural sweetness of crab with bold, complementary flavors.
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Ingredients
- 4 whole Fresh crabs (preferably blue or Dungeness)
- 16 cups Water
- 1 cup Salt
- 1 whole Lemon (cut into wedges)
- 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 4 whole Bay leaves
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves (crushed)
- 0.5 cup Butter (for serving)
Directions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with 16 cups of water and place it on the stove over high heat.
Step 2
Once the water starts to boil, add 1 cup of salt, 3 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning, 4 bay leaves, and 3 crushed garlic cloves to the pot.
Step 3
Allow the seasoned water to boil for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 4
Meanwhile, prepare the crabs by rinsing them under cold tap water to remove any debris.
Step 5
Carefully place the crabs into the pot using tongs or gloved hands. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot; you want the crabs to be submerged in the boiling water.
Step 6
Cover the pot with a lid and boil the crabs for about 10 minutes. The crabs will turn a bright red-orange color when they are fully cooked.
Step 7
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the crabs from the pot and let them cool slightly on a platter or in a clean sink.
Step 8
While the crabs are cooling, melt 0.5 cups of butter in a small saucepan over low heat as an optional dipping sauce.
Step 9
Serve the boiled crabs hot with the melted butter on the side and wedges of lemon for squeezing.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (7020.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3245.1 |
| Total Fat 137.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 66.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 1699.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 123149.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 8.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.8g | |
| Protein 491.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2715.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 22.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 7171.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories