Garlic butter crab is a seafood dish that you can enjoy with lots of rice! Since the sauce is so flavorful you can consume a lot of rice with this dish. This is not a dish for those who are in a diet because rice has a lot of carbs that most people in diet usually avoid. This dish is composed of blue crabs ( you can also use mud crabs or other crustaceans) with a butter sauce.
The sauce is slightly sweet and added with herbs and spices such as garlic and onion leeks. This dish will truly make you mouth water and crave for more if you ever try to cook and taste this recipe! Try it I’m sure you are going to love it! Please watch also my Youtube video below.
Garlic Butter Crab: A Nostalgic Seafood Treat
There’s something truly special about cooking garlic butter crab. Every time I make this dish, it takes me back to lazy summer afternoons in Pampanga, where my Uncle Boy, a seasoned fisherman, would bring home buckets of fresh blue crabs straight from the river. The entire family would gather around the kitchen, eager to transform those glossy, blue-shelled crustaceans into a dish that was nothing short of a feast.
Garlic butter crab has a way of making everyone in the family sit a little longer at the table, wiping their plates clean with generous servings of rice to soak up every drop of that golden sauce. It’s a dish that celebrates simple, bold flavors—a true hallmark of Filipino cooking.
The Flavor Behind Garlic Butter Crab
What makes garlic butter crab so unforgettable is its rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and a hint of sweetness. My Ate Lorna, who learned this recipe during her stay in Iloilo, swears by using fresh blue crabs, but mud crabs are just as delicious if they’re more accessible. The sweetness of the crab meat pairs beautifully with the creamy, garlicky sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.
The magic of this recipe lies in the perfect balance of flavors. The butter and garlic create a luxurious base, while ginger and onion leeks add a subtle aroma and depth. A touch of mayonnaise and grated cheese thickens the sauce, giving it a velvety texture that clings to every piece of crab. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, chili flakes or powder can be added to elevate the dish with a spicy kick.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Crab
The secret to a great garlic butter crab lies in the preparation and layering of ingredients. My cousin Jun, a chef in Cebu, always told me to sauté the garlic first until fragrant. This simple step releases its natural oils, ensuring that the garlic flavor permeates the entire dish.
Adding butter after the garlic ensures it melts evenly without burning. The ginger and leeks are added next to enhance the aroma, creating a base that is both warm and inviting. The mayonnaise and grated cheese are unconventional yet brilliant touches—they create a luscious sauce that coats the crabs beautifully while adding a slight tang and creaminess.
Simmering the crabs until their shells turn that signature bright orange-red ensures they’re fully cooked and infused with all the rich flavors of the sauce. Covering the pan during cooking helps to steam the crabs slightly, allowing the meat to remain tender and moist.
A Dish Rooted in History
Crabs have long been a staple in Filipino cuisine, particularly in coastal regions where seafood is abundant. Garlic butter crab, though modern in its use of butter and cheese, is a testament to the Filipino way of adapting global flavors into something uniquely our own. It reminds me of kare-kare or pinakbet—dishes that bring people together over shared meals and stories.
In the early days, butter wasn’t a common ingredient in most Filipino homes, as margarine was the more affordable option. However, with the influence of Western cuisine, butter became a beloved addition to many local recipes. The use of garlic, on the other hand, has always been central to Filipino cooking, celebrated for its bold and aromatic qualities.
This dish is a reflection of our culinary ingenuity, combining traditional ingredients like ginger and garlic with contemporary touches like cheese and mayonnaise. It’s a celebration of old and new—a dish that continues to evolve while retaining its comforting, homegrown appeal.
Why Garlic Butter Crab is Perfect for Beginners
Garlic butter crab might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. My youngest sister, Mina, cooked this dish for the first time during a family reunion, and it quickly became her specialty. The steps are straightforward, and even if you’re new to cooking crabs, the recipe is forgiving.
The key is to take your time and enjoy the process. Cleaning the crabs might seem intimidating, but it’s part of the experience. My Lola Auring always said that cleaning crabs teaches patience—a virtue that will serve you well in both cooking and life.
Bring the Taste of Home to Your Table
Whether it’s for a family celebration or just a cozy meal at home, this crab recipe is a dish that’s sure to impress. The rich, garlicky sauce is the star, perfect for drizzling over warm rice. As you savor each bite, you’ll find yourself transported to the shores of your childhood or the bustling kitchen of a loved one’s home.
Cooking this dish is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that connects you to your roots and the people who matter most. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create your own memories. Who knows? This might just become your new family favorite.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Crab
Ingredients
- 1 kilo blue crabs or alimasag
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1/4 cup onion leeks chopped
- 1/2 cup minced garlic
- 1/4 cup grated ginger
- 100 grams butter or margarine
- 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper ( to taste)
- 3 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
Instructions
How to Cook Creamy Garlic Butter Crab
- Wash, clean and drain the crabs. Then cut the crabs into halves. Set aside.
- In an empty pan or wok, heat cooking oil and add minced garlic. Saute garlic until fragrant.
- Add butter and stir until it is melted. Add ginger and leeks and stir. Add mayonnaise and grated cheese and stir until well combined.
- Add the crabs and stir until the color turns into red orange. Add sugar, salt and pepper then stir.
- Cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until the crabs are cooked. You can add chili powder or chili flakes to make it more appetizing.
- When cooked, turn off heat and serve.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Selecting the Perfect Crabs
When preparing the dish, choosing the right crabs is crucial for a delectable outcome. Opt for fresh, high-quality blue crabs, or if unavailable, mud crabs or other crustaceans can be suitable substitutes. Ensure the crabs are alive when purchased, as this guarantees their freshness. Look for shells that are vibrant and unblemished, and give them a good wash and clean before diving into the cooking process.Mastering the Butter Sauce Consistency
The key to the success of this crab dish lies in achieving the perfect butter sauce consistency. To attain a creamy and luscious texture, be meticulous in stirring the butter until fully melted. When adding mayonnaise and grated cheese, ensure thorough mixing to create a smooth and velvety sauce. This attention to detail ensures that every bite of the crab is coated in a harmonious blend of flavors, making the dish truly irresistible.Enhancing Flavor with Precision Seasoning
Seasoning plays a pivotal role in elevating the taste of this buttered crabs. Achieve a balanced flavor profile by adding sugar, salt, and pepper with precision. Start with small amounts and taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. The addition of chili powder or chili flakes is a fantastic way to add a hint of spice and elevate the overall appeal of the dish. Remember, the secret to a memorable garlic buttered crab lies in the delicate balance of seasonings, ensuring each bite is a burst of flavor.
