How to Make Delicious Crab Butter at Home: A Gourmet Seafood Delight

by Oleg Nikitenko October 09, 2024

Make Delicious Crab Butter at Home

Crab butter is a luxurious seafood delicacy that combines the natural sweetness of fresh crab meat with the richness of butter to create an indulgent spread. Whether slathered on toast, used as a sauce for seafood pasta, or served alongside freshly steamed crabs, crab butter is versatile, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make crab butter from scratch, discuss the best types of crab to use, and offer ideas on how to incorporate this gourmet treat into your meals.

Adding crab butter to your culinary repertoire not only brings out the best in seafood dishes but also introduces an exciting, restaurant-quality touch to your weeknight dinners. With premium crab products from Global Seafoods, you can ensure that your crab butter is made from the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.

What is Crab Butter?

Crab butter refers to a creamy, savory blend made from crab meat and butter, often enhanced with herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices. It’s perfect as a spread on crusty bread, a rich sauce for seafood pasta, or a flavorful dip for steamed crab legs. The combination of succulent crab and buttery richness makes it a crowd-pleasing option for any seafood lover.

Crab butter can also refer to the natural fat of the crab found in the body cavity, but for this recipe, we focus on the popular butter mixture made with crab meat.

Health Benefits of Crab Butter

While crab butter may sound indulgent, it offers a range of health benefits when made with fresh crab meat. Crab is a nutrient-dense seafood that provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. When consumed in moderation, crab can contribute to heart health, brain function, and muscle repair.

According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the omega-3 fatty acids found in crab help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. By combining these healthy fats with butter in moderation, you can create a nutritious, flavorful addition to your meals.

For premium crab meat, explore options such as Dungeness Crab Meat and Merus Crab Meat from Global Seafoods.

How to Make Crab Butter at Home

Making crab butter at home is easier than you think. The key to success is using high-quality, fresh crab meat and balancing the flavors with complementary ingredients like garlic, lemon, and herbs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own crab butter.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb Dungeness Crab Meat or Merus Crab Meat
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crab Meat:
    If using fresh crab, ensure that the crab meat is fully cooked and removed from the shell. Gently pat the crab meat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

  2. Mix the Butter and Flavorings:
    In a bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix the ingredients until well combined.

  3. Fold in the Crab Meat:
    Gently fold the crab meat into the butter mixture, being careful not to break up the delicate crab pieces too much. The goal is to create a spreadable butter with chunks of crab meat distributed evenly throughout.

  4. Chill the Crab Butter:
    Transfer the crab butter to a container or wrap it in plastic wrap, shaping it into a log if you prefer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

  5. Serve and Enjoy:
    Once the crab butter is chilled, it’s ready to serve! Spread it on warm bread, melt it over grilled seafood, or use it to enhance a simple pasta dish.

Ways to Use Crab Butter in Your Cooking

Crab butter is incredibly versatile, and its rich, savory flavor can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use crab butter in your meals:

1. Spread on Toast or Crackers

One of the simplest ways to enjoy crab butter is by spreading it on warm toast or crispy crackers. The combination of buttery richness and sweet crab makes for a delightful appetizer or snack.

2. Serve with Grilled or Steamed Seafood

Melt crab butter over freshly grilled or steamed seafood, such as shrimp, lobster, or scallops. The butter will enhance the natural flavors of the seafood and add a gourmet touch to your dish.

3. Toss with Pasta

Turn a simple pasta dish into a luxurious meal by tossing it with crab butter. The creamy, seafood-infused butter coats the pasta perfectly, creating a decadent yet easy-to-make dinner.

4. Use as a Dipping Sauce for Crab Legs

Serve crab butter alongside freshly steamed crab legs as a dipping sauce. The additional crab flavor in the butter will complement the natural sweetness of the crab legs, creating an indulgent dining experience. For premium crab leg options, check out Global Seafoods' selection of Dungeness Crab and King Crab .

5. Add to Seafood Soups and Stews

Incorporate a spoonful of crab butter into seafood soups or stews for added depth of flavor. The butter will melt into the broth, enriching it with a smooth, savory taste.

Best Types of Crab Meat for Crab Butter

The type of crab meat you choose will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your crab butter. Here are some of the best options to consider:

1. Dungeness Crab

Known for its sweet and tender meat, Dungeness Crab is one of the most popular choices for making crab butter. It pairs beautifully with the richness of butter and is versatile enough to use in a variety of dishes. You can find premium Dungeness Crab Meat at Global Seafoods.

2. Merus Crab Meat

Merus Crab Meat refers to the largest, most flavorful sections of the Dungeness Crab legs. This meat is prized for its size and taste, making it an excellent choice for a more luxurious crab butter. Try Dungeness Merus Crab Meat for a high-end take on crab butter.

3. King Crab

For an extra indulgent version, consider using King Crab meat. Known for its rich, buttery flavor and firm texture, King Crab adds a gourmet twist to any crab butter recipe. Global Seafoods offers high-quality King Crab products for those looking to elevate their dish.

Adding Crab Meat to Your Menu: Why You Should Consider It

Crab meat is a versatile and delicious protein that can enhance your cooking in a variety of ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special meal for your family, or simply looking for new ways to enjoy seafood, crab meat is a nutrient-rich option that’s easy to prepare.

According to Dr. Frank Hu from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “seafood like crab is not only packed with high-quality protein but also offers heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and essential minerals that support overall wellness.”

Here are some reasons to add crab meat to your menu:

  • Rich in Protein: Crab provides high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and repair.
  • Heart-Healthy: Crab is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
  • Low in Fat and Calories: Crab meat is low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
  • Versatile in the Kitchen: Whether you’re making crab cakes, soups, salads, or crab butter, crab meat works in a wide variety of dishes.

Explore premium crab meat options at Global Seafoods, including Dungeness Crab Meat and Merus Crab Meat .

Conclusion: Elevate Your Meals with Homemade Crab Butter

Making crab butter at home is a simple way to bring gourmet flavors to your table. Whether you spread it on toast, serve it with seafood, or toss it with pasta, crab butter adds a rich, luxurious touch to any meal. By using high-quality crab meat from Global Seafoods, you can create a delicious and nutritious dish that will impress your family and guests alike.

For the finest crab meat and seafood products, shop Global Seafoods’ selection of premium Dungeness Crab Meat , Merus Crab Meat , and King Crab .

For more seafood recipes, tips, and inspiration, subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest content!

Back to Recipes
Go to full site