Iron Skillet Whole Crab Recipe

Time30m

Serves4

Make Iron Skillet Whole Crab Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

1
Boil the Crab
In a large pot, bring 4 liters of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of sea salt to the boiling water.
2
Cook the Crab
Carefully add the whole crabs to the boiling water. Cover the pot and let it cook for 8-10 minutes or until the crabs turn bright red. Once cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside to cool.

3
Prepare the Skillet
In a large iron skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
4
Sauté Garlic
Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5
Add Butter and Crab
Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, letting it melt. Then, carefully add the boiled crabs to the skillet, shell side down.
6
Season the Crab
Sprinkle the crabs with chopped fresh parsley and freshly sliced lemon. Season with black pepper to taste.
7
Cook the Crab
Let the crabs cook in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the crabs to get crispy.
8
Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the whole crabs directly from the skillet while hot. Enjoy with additional lemon wedges if desired.