San Francisco Garlic Crab

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

• 2 whole cooked Dungeness crabs, cleaned and cracked

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tsp red chili flakes

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp dry white wine

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prep the Crab

Clean and cut the crab into sections. Crack the legs and claws so the sauce can penetrate.

2. Build the Garlic Base

Heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
Add garlic and cook gently for 60–90 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown.

3. Layer Flavor

Add chili flakes and black pepper. Stir briefly.

4. Deglaze

Add white wine and let it reduce slightly.

5. Build the Sauce

Add soy sauce and sugar. Stir to combine.

6. Toss the Crab

Add crab pieces and toss aggressively to coat in sauce. Cook 3–5 minutes until heated through.

7. Reduce and Finish

Let sauce tighten slightly until glossy.
Add lemon juice and parsley. Toss again.

8. Plate

Pile crab onto a platter and spoon extra sauce over the top.

🍷 Wine Pairing

California Chardonnay
Rich enough to match the butter and enhance the sweetness of the crab.

Off-Dry Riesling
Balances the garlic and umami with acidity and subtle sweetness.

Champagne or Sparkling Wine
Cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.