Simple Boiled Crabs With Garlic-Vermouth Butter

Name: Simple Boiled Crabs With Garlic-Vermouth Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chervil, parsley, or chives; 1 tablespoon vermouth; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar; 2 lemons, sliced; 1/2 cup kosher salt; 1/4 cup seafood seasoning; 2 live Dungeness crabs or 6 live blue crabs

Servings: persons

1/2 cup butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chervil, parsley, or chives
1 tablespoon vermouth
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
2 lemons, sliced
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup seafood seasoning
2 live Dungeness crabs or 6 live blue crabs

1
Combine first 8 ingredients in a small pan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes or until butter melts. Keep warm.
2
Combine 6 quarts water, vinegar, and next 3 ingredients in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3
While water is heating, set crabs on a rimmed baking sheet or tray, and put in freezer. (This makes handling the crabs easier--they should be well chilled but not frozen; don't leave them in freezer more than 30 minutes.) When water has come to a rolling boil, grab each crab securely at the back of its shell, and gently but swiftly drop it headfirst into the boiling water.
4
Cover pot, and return water to a boil. Cook Dungeness crabs 18 to 20 minutes and blue crabs 5 minutes. Drain, clean, and serve with warm butter sauce.

311

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 cup butter, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chervil, parsley, or chives, 1 tablespoon vermouth, and more.

Yes, Simple Boiled Crabs With Garlic-Vermouth Butter falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!