Steamed Whole Crab with Garlic Butter Sauce

Steamed Whole Crab with Garlic Butter Sauce

Pairs with 2022 Theopolis Vineyards Theo-patra’s Cuvée Blanc

Photo Courtesy Stanley Roberts @stanleyrobertstv 

Servings: 2-4
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

For Steaming the Crab:

  • 2-4 whole crabs (blue crab, Dungeness, or your preferred variety)

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • 2-3 bay leaves

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

  • 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

For Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Steam the Crab:

  1. Prepare the Pot:

    • Fill a large stockpot with 2 inches of water and add salt, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and fresh thyme (if using).

    • Squeeze the juice of the lemon halves into the water and drop the lemon halves into the pot as well.

  2. Bring to a Boil:

    • Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a rolling simmer.

  3. Prepare the Crab:

    • While the water is heating, rinse the crabs under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

    • If the crabs are alive, use tongs to handle them carefully.

    • If you have large crabs (like Dungeness), you may need to break them into halves or quarters for easier handling.

  4. Steam the Crab:

    • Place the crabs into the pot, cover, and steam for 10-15 minutes (depending on the size of the crab).

    • The crabs should turn a bright orange when fully cooked. The shells will turn vibrant and the legs will begin to move away from the body when done.

    • If you’re steaming more than one batch, make sure to keep the water at a simmer and don’t overcrowd the pot.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  1. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

    • While the crab is steaming, prepare the garlic butter sauce.

    • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

    • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn the garlic).

    • Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).

    • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

    • Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.

Serve the Crab:

  1. Drain the Crabs:

    • Once the crabs are done, carefully remove them from the pot using tongs and set them aside to drain on a platter or large plate.

  2. Serve with Garlic Butter Sauce:

    • Serve the crabs with the garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle it over the top.

    • Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges for extra flavor and presentation.

Garlic Noodles

Servings: 4
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz noodles (egg noodles, spaghetti, or your preferred type)

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds great depth of flavor)

  • 1 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Noodles:

  1. Boil the Noodles:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside. Reserve a little pasta water for later in case you need it.

Make the Garlic Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic:

    • In a large pan or skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

    • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden (but not burned).

  2. Add the Flavoring:

    • Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and rice vinegar or lemon juice.

    • Mix well and let the sauce cook for another minute to combine the flavors.

Combine Noodles and Sauce:

  1. Toss the Noodles:

    • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic sauce. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

  2. Season:

    • Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve:

    • Transfer the noodles to a serving platter or bowl.

    • Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

 

main courses & sidesSharie Lawless