Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 6 min Serves 2 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 21 minutes (15 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Avocado Salsa?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Avocado Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What should I serve with Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Avocado Salsa?

Serve it with a simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.

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