About This Easy Crab Claws Recipe

Typically served chilled with cocktail sauce or warm and dipped in melted lemon butter sauce, crab claws make for an incredibly delicious meal.

They are the perfect starter for any dinner, and you can also serve them as a main course with some simple side dishes.

Not only is crab meat delicious, but it is also one of the best dietary sources of proteins available without having high levels of saturated fats commonly found in other meats that are linked to increased risk of heart disease.

Apart from protein, crab meat is also rich in other nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids that help improve general health and prevent various chronic conditions.

The easy recipe highlights the delicate seafood flavor and slight mineral sweetness of crab meat by pairing the crab claws with a simple lemon butter sauce. The sauce is basic yet adds a buttery warmth to the crab meat, making for a succulent meal.

Most crab claws are sold fully cooked and frozen, making this recipe super easy to prepare. You just need to thaw, reheat and serve them. It’s an easy, simple, yet very tasty recipe to cook seafood with minimal fuss.

What You Need for This Pre-cooked Crab Claws Recipe

Ingredient Notes

• Crab Claws: I have used red crab claws, also known as Thai or mini crab claws, which are available in my area.
• Butter: In all my recipes, I like to use unsalted butter so that I can control the quantity of salt.
• Lemon: The lemon gives a pleasant citrusy and fresh flavor to the sauce.
• Parsley: I like to add some finely chopped fresh parsley that gives a wonderful aroma to the entire dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Crab Claws: I have used pre-cooked frozen red crab claws, but you may use whatever crab type you have available in your area.
• Lemon: I like to use lemon with fish and crustaceans, but you may also use lime.
• Butter: I like to use unsalted butter, but you can also use salted butter if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with fresh crab claws?

Yes, of course. If fresh crab claws are available in your area, use them following the same process; just ignore the first step of thawing the claws. Boil them for 8-10 minutes until they turn a bright orange color, or steam them for around 15 minutes.

How can I store these crab claws?

If you have any leftover cooked crab claws, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not re-freeze them.

Print Recipe

Crab Claws With Lemon Butter Sauce

Author: Ribana Hategan

Cooking Method: Boiling, Steaming

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Appetizer, Main Course

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 min Cook Time 5 min Total Time 10 mins

Description

This incredibly easy recipe will allow you to enjoy sweet and meaty crab claws with a luscious lemon butter sauce — perfect to serve with family and friends!

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Servings

• 500 g / 1 lb crab claws, pre-cooked, frozen
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 50 g / 1.7 oz. / 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley

How To Make Crab Claws With Lemon Butter Sauce Step By Step

1. Thaw the crab claws either by defrosting them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them under running water for a few minutes.

   

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest and set aside.

   

3. Reheat the crab claws by boiling or steaming them.

   

4. Transfer the crab claws to a platter, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with warm lemon butter sauce.

   

Note

• To boil the crab claws, fill a medium-sized pot halfway with water. Let the water boil, then add the claws and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
• To steam the crab claws, add them to a steamer and let them cook for 4-5 minutes.