Portuguese Style Crabs
Dive into the bold and vibrant flavors of Portuguese cuisine with this must-try Portuguese-Style Crabs recipe! Fresh whole crabs are simmered to perfection in a rich, aromatic sauce made from olive oil, finely chopped onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of white wine. Infused with bay leaves, smoky paprika, and a touch of cayenne for subtle heat, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream. The crabs absorb the sauce’s deep, savory notes, while fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to finish. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, pair this unforgettable dish with crusty rustic bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious tomato sauce. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty meal makes an impressive centerpiece for any occasion.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole Fresh crabs
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 large (finely chopped) Yellow onion
- 4 (minced) Garlic cloves
- 400 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
- 120 milliliters White wine
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons (chopped) Fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 loaf (for serving) Rustic bread
Instructions
Clean and prepare the crabs: Remove excess dirt and trim any sharp edges on the shell. Crack the legs slightly to allow the flavors to seep in during cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Add the crushed tomatoes, white wine, bay leaves, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Carefully add the crabs to the simmering sauce, ensuring they are fully coated in the mixture. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, turning the crabs over halfway through the cooking time.
Once the crabs are fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve the Portuguese-style crabs with rustic bread on the side for dipping into the rich tomato sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2196 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.9 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 5702 mg | 248% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 302.7 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.7 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.9 g | ||
| Protein | 73.2 g | 146% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 387 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 2760 mg | 59% | |
*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.
