Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-20 · Updated 2026-04-20

Fresh Dungeness crab claws paired with a vibrant avocado salsa, highlighting California's coastal bounty. This seafood recipe, ready in about 21 minutes, pairs Dungeness crab claws, avocado, red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Dungeness crab claws
• 2 medium avocado
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat crab claws dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add crab claws and sear undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear another 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: While crab cooks, dice 1 avocado and combine with 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and juice from 1 lime. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
4. Step 4: Transfer crab to a plate and immediately squeeze remaining lime juice over it. Serve with avocado salsa spooned on the side.