Sand crabs make for a tasty, easy seafood dish, perfect for home cooks looking for something special without too much fuss. Their sweet, delicate flavour pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet remains simple. Here’s a straightforward recipe for sand crabs, letting their natural taste shine without an overload of ingredients or complex techniques.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of sand crabs, cleaned and cracked
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 fresh red chilli, sliced (optional for a bit of heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sand Crabs

Start by rinsing your sand crabs under cold water to ensure they’re clean. If you’ve purchased them from a reliable seafood supplier, like a quality market with monkfish for sale, they may already come cleaned and ready to cook. If you’re handling live crabs, boil them briefly in salted water before moving to the next step.

  1. Cook the Garlic and Chilli

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sliced chilli, letting them sizzle and infuse the oil for a minute or two. Watch closely and stir to avoid burning the garlic, as it can become bitter.

  1. Add the Sand Crabs

Place the cleaned and cracked sand crabs into the pan with the garlic and chilli. Toss them gently to coat each piece in the aromatic oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover the pan and let the crabs cook for around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The meat should turn from translucent to white as it cooks.

  1. Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Once the crab meat is cooked through and has absorbed the flavours, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Give everything a final toss, ensuring the lemon juice and parsley are evenly distributed, bringing out the natural sweetness of the crab.

  1. Serve

Serve the sand crabs hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. This simple preparation lets you enjoy the fresh, oceanic flavour of the crab without overpowering it with heavy sauces or spices.

Tips for Enjoying Fresh Seafood

Sand crabs are just one of many great seafood options for home cooking. If you’re in the mood to try something different, markets often have a variety of fresh options like orange roughy for sale or monkfish for sale. Each type of seafood offers unique flavours and textures, providing flexibility in your recipes and meal planning.

This easy sand crab recipe is a winner for anyone craving a light and flavourful seafood meal without the fuss. Fresh sand crabs, combined with a few simple ingredients, can bring a taste of the coast to your table in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, this dish will impress with its simplicity and flavour. For learn more https://tasmanstarseafoodmarket.com.au/products/fresh-monkfish-fillets