Restaurants›Gather GVL›Snow Crab Cluster Recipe

Snow Crab Cluster Recipe

Inspired by Gather GVL
Time35m
Serves1

Half of an Opilio Crab drenched in Garlic Sauce and Seasoning

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Ingredients

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Crab

Garlic Butter Sauce

Finish & Serving

Method

Prepare Crab

1

Thaw and rinse

If the snow crab cluster is frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for 30–60 minutes until pliable. Rinse under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.

2

Season

Lightly season the exposed meat surfaces and shell with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Set the cluster on a sheet pan or plate, cut side up if halved.

Make Garlic Butter Sauce

3

Sweat aromatics

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 tbsp unsalted butter. When butter melts, add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced shallot. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and softened but not browned, about 1–2 minutes.

4

Deglaze & season

Increase heat slightly and add 2 tbsp dry white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping any bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp granulated sugar, 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), and 1/4 tsp salt. Simmer together for 30–60 seconds to meld flavors.

5

Finish sauce

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep warm.

Cook & Combine

6

Warm the crab (steaming or oven)

Option A - Steaming: Bring a pot with 1–2 inches of water to a simmer and place a steamer basket with the seasoned crab cluster inside. Cover and steam for 5–8 minutes until heated through. Option B - Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the cluster on a foil-lined sheet pan, spoon a few tablespoons of the garlic butter sauce over exposed meat, and bake for 6–10 minutes until warmed and the sauce is bubbling.

7

Coat with sauce

Once the crab is warmed, transfer to a serving plate. Spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce generously over the crab cluster, making sure the meat cavities and exposed sections are drenched. Let rest 1 minute to allow flavors to soak in.

8

Garnish & serve

Sprinkle the crab with the reserved 1 tbsp chopped parsley and a light pinch of smoked paprika or Old Bay if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.