Uncle Bill’s Flavor-Packed Portuguese Crab Delight

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

Keywords

Peppers, Vegetable, Portuguese, European, Very Low Carbs, Healthy, Less than 4 Hours

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Begin by filling an extra-large cooking pot three-quarters full with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Add 6 tablespoons of coarse salt for every 2 gallons of water to ensure the crabs are seasoned perfectly.
3. 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.
4. Use tongs to handle the crabs, being cautious to avoid being pinched by the main claws. Immediately cover the pot to maintain the heat.
5. Boil the crabs for approximately 10 minutes, or until their shells turn a vibrant orangey hue; take care not to overcook them.
6. Once cooked, remove the crabs from the pot and run cold water over them to halt further cooking.
7. Continue the process for any remaining crabs, ensuring each is cooled promptly.
8. Break off the legs from each crab and use a paring knife to scrape off any fuzz, rinsing them under cold water afterward.
9. Discard the shell and all internal body parts, reserving the shell for later use.
10. Break the body in half to access the white meat, rinsing it under cold water to remove any remnants.
11. In a large bowl, combine the legs, claws, and white meat.
12. 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.
13. In a food processor, blend together the green onions, fresh parsley, egg yolks, fresh tomatoes, and lemon juice until smooth.
14. Next, add the cayenne pepper, pimiento, salt, olive oil, white vinegar, and balsamic vinegar, blending again until well combined.
15. Pour the mixture into a large measuring cup or bowl, then gently stir in the beer, mixing to incorporate everything harmoniously.
16. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired, adding more cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier marinade.
17. Pour this flavorful marinade over the crab pieces in the bowl, using two large spoons to gently turn and coat each piece evenly.
18. 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.
19. To serve, arrange the marinated crab on a large serving platter. Pour any remaining marinade over the top for added flavor.
20. If desired, garnish with sliced banana peppers and additional hard-boiled egg quarters for a beautiful presentation.
21. 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!