Dive into the irresistible flavor of the **Heart-Healthy Classic Boiled Crab**, a recipe crafted to bring seafood lovers a guilt-free indulgence. This dish highlights the natural sweetness of fresh live crabs, simmered in a vibrant aromatic blend of lemon, garlic, onion, celery, and herbs like thyme and parsley. Infused with **low-sodium Old Bay seasoning** and black peppercorns, it offers a bold yet heart-conscious twist on a timeless favorite. Quick to prepare in under 35 minutes, this simple boiling technique locks in freshness while keeping the recipe light. Perfect for a wholesome dinner or a celebratory meal, serve these crabs while warm with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a zesty touch. Whether you're looking for a nutritious seafood option or a flavorful crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a must-try for your healthy eating journey!
Begin by preparing the aromatics. Peel the garlic cloves and slightly crush them. Roughly chop the garlic, onion, and celery.
Fill a large pot with 16 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, add the juice of 2 squeezed lemons, along with the lemon halves, into the pot.
Add bay leaves, garlic, onion, celery, low-sodium Old Bay seasoning, black peppercorns, thyme, and a handful of fresh parsley to the pot. Stir to combine.
Allow the mixture to boil for about 10 minutes, which will build a flavorful base.
Weigh the live crabs to ensure they are approximately the same size. Rinse the crabs under cold water to clean them before cooking.
Using tongs, carefully place the crabs in the boiling pot. Ensure they're fully submerged in the liquid.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the crabs cook for about 10-12 minutes. They should turn a bright orange color once done.
Using tongs, remove the crabs from the pot, and allow them to drain and cool slightly on a large tray lined with paper towels.
Serve the crabs immediately while warm, optionally accompanied with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Calories |
253 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.1 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 649 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.5 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.3 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.9 g | ||
| Protein | 24.7 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 523 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1202 mg | 26% | |
*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.