Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Herbed Butter

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-10 · Updated 2026-04-10

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

Sweet crab claws caramelized in a garlic-herb butter sauce, served with steamed asparagus for a coastal California meal. This California-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 18 minutes, pairs Dungeness crab claws, unsalted butter, garlic 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: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 California cuisine 420 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 lb (24 claws) Dungeness crab claws
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 (juice only) lemon
12 oz (trimmed) asparagus
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Equipment for this recipe

Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - PFAS-Free, Non-Toxic Cookware - Use with an Oven, Stove, Grill, or Campfire - Naturally Non-Stick & Oven Safe - 10.25 Inches
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Instructions

Step 1: Pat crab claws dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add crab claws and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and 1 tbsp parsley to skillet. Cook for 1 minute until butter foams, then squeeze in lemon juice and stir until combined.
Step 3: Add asparagus to skillet and toss to coat in butter sauce. Cook for 4 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp. Stir in remaining parsley and serve immediately with crab claws.