Garlic butter crab and shrimp is a rich, decadent seafood dish that’s packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. The tender crab and juicy shrimp are coated in a silky, garlicky butter sauce that’s perfect for dipping bread or spooning over rice. I love making this when I want something indulgent, fast, and full of coastal flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dish because it’s quick to prepare and feels like something I’d get at a high-end seafood restaurant. The garlic butter sauce is simple but bold, and it enhances the natural sweetness of the crab and shrimp beautifully. It’s great for weeknight dinners or date nights at home, and I always end up licking my fingers clean.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Crab legs or crab meat (pre-cooked)
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Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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Butter (unsalted)
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Garlic (minced)
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Fresh parsley (chopped)
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Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper
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Optional: Old Bay or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor
Directions
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I start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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I add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
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I season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), then add them to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
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I add the crab legs or crab meat to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the garlic butter.
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I squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seafood and stir in chopped parsley.
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I let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
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I serve it hot with extra lemon wedges and crusty bread or rice on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–4 and takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a fast, flavorful dinner or a special weekend meal.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the crab for lobster or add scallops to the mix. If I want more spice, I stir in Cajun or Old Bay seasoning. For a creamy twist, I add a splash of heavy cream at the end to turn it into a garlic butter cream sauce. I’ve also tossed the seafood with cooked pasta for a garlic seafood pasta dish.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit more butter or olive oil. I avoid microwaving since seafood can get rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, I often use frozen shrimp and crab. I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Do I need to remove the shell from the crab?
If I’m using crab legs, I leave them in the shell for presentation and flavor. If I want less mess, I use shelled crab meat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, I use a vegan butter alternative or extra olive oil. The flavor is slightly different but still delicious.
What should I serve this with?
I usually serve it with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or even mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
I cook it over medium heat and stir constantly. Once it’s fragrant and lightly golden, I add the shrimp so it doesn’t sit in the pan too long.
Conclusion
Garlic butter crab and shrimp is a luxurious seafood dish I can make in under 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. It’s buttery, garlicky, and packed with bold flavor that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether I serve it with pasta, rice, or bread, it’s always a hit at my table.
Print
Garlic Butter Crab and Shrimp
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Seafood
Description
Garlic butter crab and shrimp is a rich and indulgent seafood dish, featuring tender crab and juicy shrimp in a silky, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for dipping or spooning over rice, it’s a quick and flavorful meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb crab legs or crab meat (pre-cooked)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Old Bay or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), then add them to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Add crab legs or crab meat to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seafood and stir in chopped parsley.
- Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges, crusty bread, or rice on the side.
Notes
- Frozen seafood works great—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- For less mess, use shelled crab meat instead of crab legs.
- For a creamy twist, add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a garlic butter cream sauce.
- If you prefer spice, add Cajun or Old Bay seasoning to taste.
- Pair with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
