Dungeness Crab with Clarified Butter and Mediterranean Sauce Recipe
This Dungeness crab with clarified butter and Mediterranean sauce recipe showcases sweet, tender crab served simply with rich clarified butter and a creamy, tangy Mediterranean-inspired dip. Featured on Fish the Dish, this dish highlights the natural sweetness of fresh crab with bold, savoury accompaniments that elevate a classic seafood experience.
The Inspiration
This recipe is inspired by traditional seafood feasts where freshly boiled crab is served simply and communally, often cracked at the table and enjoyed with butter. The Mediterranean sauce adds a modern twist, blending ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, olives, and Parmesan into a rich, flavour-packed dip.
On Fish the Dish, host Spencer Watts often focuses on celebrating high-quality seafood in its purest form while layering in global flavour influences. This dish reflects that philosophy by allowing the natural sweetness of Dungeness crab to shine while enhancing it with two distinct sauces: a classic clarified butter and a bold Mediterranean-style spread.
Ingredients
Boiled Crab
- 1 pound (454 g) Dungeness crab, whole
- Water
- Salt
Clarified Butter
- ½ pound (227 g) unsalted, cold butter
Mediterranean Dip
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 6.5-ounce (184 g) jar of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 cup (240 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lemon, juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) green onion, chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) black olives, pitted
- Olive oil
Methods
- Melt cold butter in a saucepan over low heat. As the milk solids rise use a spoon to remove them leaving only the golden butter. Leave over the lowest heat possible until needed.
- Add sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to a food processor, and blitz. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Add green onion, black olives, a sprinkle of pepper, and olive oil. Stir all together.
- Bring water, seasoned with salt, to a boil in a large deep pot.
- Carefully add crab to boiling water and cook for 7-8 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked crab to a large plate. Cover a surface in newspaper, and when just cool enough to handle, break crab apart to extract the meat. You can also serve the crab whole, with mallets and crackers for your guests to use, and the Mediterranean dip and clarified butter in side bowls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab warm with small bowls of clarified butter for dipping and the Mediterranean sauce as a bold, flavourful alternative. The contrast between the rich butter and tangy, savoury dip makes each bite customizable and engaging.
Pair with crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Light pasta or roasted potatoes also work well for a more substantial meal.
For beverages, crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or unoaked Chardonnay complement the sweetness of the crab. Sparkling wine or light lagers also pair beautifully. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling citrus water or lemonade enhance the freshness of the dish.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cracking the crab, while the meat is warm and the butter is still silky and fluid.
Final Thoughts
This Dungeness crab with clarified butter and Mediterranean sauce recipe is a celebration of simple, high-quality seafood elevated through contrast and creativity. The natural sweetness of the crab pairs beautifully with the richness of clarified butter and the bold, savoury Mediterranean dip.
It’s a perfect example of how minimal cooking can still deliver maximum flavour, making it ideal for both relaxed gatherings and special seafood occasions.