Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

The Best Oven-Roasted Dungeness Crab Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 28 reviews

This recipe delivers perfectly oven-roasted Dungeness crab with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with white wine and fresh lemon. The crab is first briefly boiled to ensure tenderness and ease of cleaning, then finished off in the oven to absorb buttery, garlicky goodness. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon slices, this elegant seafood dish is ideal for a special dinner or seafood feast.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Crab

  • 3 whole Dungeness crabs
  • 2 lemons, sliced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup white wine

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crabs: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the Dungeness crabs and boil for 5 minutes to partially cook them, which also helps make cleaning easier.
  2. Shock the Crabs: Immediately transfer the boiled crabs to a bowl of icy cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
  3. Clean the Crabs: Flip each crab on its back, pull and remove the triangular “apron” piece and discard it. Next, remove the top shell by pulling it away from the body. Using your hands, carefully remove the gills, lungs, and mouth parts. Rinse the crab body and the top shell thoroughly under cold running water until squeaky clean.
  4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil and add the finely chopped garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant, then pour in 1/2 cup white wine and allow it to simmer for 1 minute. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the crab.
  6. Assemble for Baking: Place the cleaned crabs on a baking sheet lined with lemon slices. Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the crabs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Roast the Crab: Place the crabs in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and crab meat finish cooking. Meanwhile, boil the reserved crab top shells in a pot of water for 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
  8. Serve: After baking, pour the melted garlic butter from the baking sheet into a bowl for drizzling over the served crab. Garnish the crabs with chopped fresh parsley, place the boiled crab top shells on top, and serve with nut or seafood crackers for cracking the shells.

Notes

  • Boiling the crabs briefly before cleaning makes it easier to remove the shells and clean the crabs thoroughly.
  • Adjust the garlic quantity according to your preference for a more or less intense garlic flavor.
  • White wine adds a subtle acidity and depth to the garlic butter sauce; you can substitute with dry vermouth or chicken broth if desired.
  • Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.
  • Use seafood crackers or nutcrackers to help open the crab shells easily without damaging the meat.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/the-best-oven-roasted-dungeness-crab-recipe/