Uncle Bill’s Special Crab
Description
This delightful crab recipe, originally gifted to me by a Portuguese family, has been lovingly adapted to create a more flavorful marinade that has garnered praise from all, including the family who inspired it. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is a testament to the magic of combining fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Recipe Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Crab |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings | Varies based on appetite |
| Rating | 5/5 (1 review) |
Keywords
Peppers, Vegetable, Portuguese, European, Very Low Carbs, Healthy, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Green onions |
| 4 | Fresh parsley |
| 6 | Eggs |
| 3 | Fresh tomatoes |
| 1 | Lemon juice |
| 3 | Cayenne pepper |
| 1/2 | Pimiento (bell pepper) |
| 1/2 | Salt |
| 1/2 | Extra virgin olive oil |
| 1 | White vinegar |
| 10 oz | Beer |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 675.2 |
| Fat Content | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 404.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1879.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugar | 3.4 g |
| Protein | 101.9 g |
Instructions
- Begin by filling an extra-large cooking pot three-quarters full with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add 6 tablespoons of coarse salt for every 2 gallons of water to ensure the crabs are seasoned perfectly.
- When the water is boiling vigorously, carefully introduce the crabs—either one or two at a time, depending on your pot size. It’s important to position the crab legs so they stick up when entering the water.
- Use tongs to handle the crabs, being cautious to avoid being pinched by the main claws. Immediately cover the pot to maintain the heat.
- Boil the crabs for approximately 10 minutes, or until their shells turn a vibrant orangey hue; take care not to overcook them.
- Once cooked, remove the crabs from the pot and run cold water over them to halt further cooking.
- Continue the process for any remaining crabs, ensuring each is cooled promptly.
- Break off the legs from each crab and use a paring knife to scrape off any fuzz, rinsing them under cold water afterward.
- Discard the shell and all internal body parts, reserving the shell for later use.
- Break the body in half to access the white meat, rinsing it under cold water to remove any remnants.
- In a large bowl, combine the legs, claws, and white meat.
- While the crabs are cooling, hard-boil the eggs for about 15 minutes. After cooking, cool them under cold water, remove the shells, and set the whites aside, discarding the yolks.
- In a food processor, blend together the green onions, fresh parsley, egg yolks, fresh tomatoes, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Next, add the cayenne pepper, pimiento, salt, olive oil, white vinegar, and balsamic vinegar, blending again until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a large measuring cup or bowl, then gently stir in the beer, mixing to incorporate everything harmoniously.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired, adding more cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier marinade.
- Pour this flavorful marinade over the crab pieces in the bowl, using two large spoons to gently turn and coat each piece evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is preferable for maximum flavor infusion. Be sure to stir the crab pieces at least once during this marinating time.
- To serve, arrange the marinated crab on a large serving platter. Pour any remaining marinade over the top for added flavor.
- If desired, garnish with sliced banana peppers and additional hard-boiled egg quarters for a beautiful presentation.
- Provide nutcrackers for guests to easily crack open the crab legs, and enjoy dipping the succulent crab meat into the marinade for a truly delightful experience.
This Uncle Bill’s Special Crab recipe is sure to be a hit, showcasing the rich, savory flavors of the marinade combined with the sweet, tender crab meat. Enjoy every mouthful of this special dish, perfect for gatherings and celebrations alike!
