Classic Boiled Crab
Dive into the briny flavors of the sea with this **Classic Boiled Crab** recipe, a seafood lover's dream that's both simple and satisfying. Featuring fresh blue or Dungeness crabs cooked in a fragrant boil of garlic, bay leaves, and Old Bay seasoning, this dish brings bold, coastal flavors right to your table. The crabs are tenderized in a salty, spiced broth and served with melted butter and zesty lemon wedges for an indulgent dining experience that feels like a summer feast, no matter the season. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for backyard gatherings, holiday dinners, or any casual occasion. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a seafood newbie, this recipe will have you cracking shells and savoring every morsel of sweet, succulent crab meat.
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 16 cups of water and place it on the stove over high heat.
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.
Allow the seasoned water to boil for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Meanwhile, prepare the crabs by rinsing them under cold tap water to remove any debris.
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.
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.
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.
While the crabs are cooling, melt 0.5 cups of butter in a small saucepan over low heat as an optional dipping sauce.
Serve the boiled crabs hot with the melted butter on the side and wedges of lemon for squeezing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3245 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 137.1 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.2 g | 331% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1700 mg | 567% | |
| Sodium | 123149 mg | 5354% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.8 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 491.7 g | 983% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2715 mg | 209% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 7171 mg | 153% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
