Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Lemon-Dill Butter
Fresh Dungeness crab claws seared until golden and finished with a bright lemon-dill butter sauce, a classic California coastal dish that highlights the state's seafood bounty. This seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs Dungeness crab claws, unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 16 oz Dungeness crab claws
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the crab claws dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the crab claws and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet, and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp chopped fresh dill. Return the crab to the skillet and toss gently to coat, cooking for 1 minute until heated through and the butter sauce is fragrant.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Lemon-Dill Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Dill Butter?
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 Lemon-Dill Butter?
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 Lemon-Dill Butter 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 Lemon-Dill Butter?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids actually asked for seconds! The dill butter was the star—simple but restaurant-quality.
- ★★★★★
The crab was impossibly tender and the lemon-dill butter transformed it into something magical. Served with crusty bread to mop up every drop!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for date night! The butter sauce had that bright herbal note I love, and the crab stayed juicy without overcooking.
