Nothing says coastal gourmet like a delicious plate of Marinated Cracked Dungeness Crab. This recipe combines the sweet and delicate flavor of Dungeness crab with a zesty marinade that enhances its taste. Perfect for a special dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Let’s dive into the details on how to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
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**Marinated Cracked Dungeness Crab**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 Dungeness crabs, cleaned and cracked
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crab:** Start by cleaning and cracking the Dungeness crabs. You can ask your fishmonger to do this for you or follow online tutorials on how to crack the crab yourself. Cleaning the crab involves removing the gills, lungs, and stomach contents. Once clean and cracked, set the crab aside while you prepare the marinade.
2. **Make the Marinade:** In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. This flavorful marinade will infuse the crab with a tangy and aromatic taste.
3. **Marinate the Crab:** Place the cleaned and cracked crabs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the crabs, ensuring they are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the crab to soak up all the savory flavors.
4. **Prepare the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you prefer, you can also bake the crab in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. **Grill the Crab:** Remove the marinated crabs from the refrigerator and place them on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning once, until the crab is heated through and the shell turns a vibrant orange color. If baking, place the marinated crabs in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once the Marinated Cracked Dungeness Crab is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and watch as your guests savor every delicious bite.
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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Marinated Cracked Dungeness Crab and treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure. This recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of the sea in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a special meal, this dish is a surefire way to impress your loved ones with your culinary skills. So, roll up your sleeves, bring out the crab crackers, and get ready to savor a taste of the coastal life!
