Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab with Orange-Cilantro Salsa

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-14 · Updated 2026-04-14

Sweet Dungeness crab claws nestled in a vibrant salsa of fresh orange and cilantro, finished with a hint of lime for a refreshing coastal-inspired dish. This seafood recipe (low-sodium), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs Dungeness crab claws, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, 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 lb (454g), cleaned and patted dry Dungeness crab claws
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 medium, peeled and segmented navel oranges
• 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1, zested and juiced lime

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 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 for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque.
3. Step 3: While crab cooks, combine segmented oranges, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Toss gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Transfer crab to a plate and spoon orange-cilantro salsa over the top. Serve immediately while hot.