Garlic Butter Crab Toasts (Print Version)
Crisp bread crowned with tender crab in lemon-garlic butter
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Seafood
01 - 7 oz fresh or canned lump crab meat, drained and picked over
→ Bread
02 - 8 slices baguette or sourdough, 1/2 inch thick
→ Garlic Butter
03 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
05 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
06 - 1 tsp lemon zest
07 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
09 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Garnish
12 - Extra chopped chives or parsley
13 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Turn on your oven broiler or set oven to 425°F for optimal toasting temperature.
02 - Combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, chives, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Gently fold the crab meat into the garlic butter mixture using a light touch to preserve the lump texture of the crab.
04 - Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Broil or bake for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly crisp.
05 - Spoon the crab mixture generously onto each toast. Return to the oven and broil for 1–2 minutes until heated through, being careful not to overcook the crab.
06 - Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional fresh herbs, and finish with fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately alongside lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of sweet crab meat and aromatic garlic butter feels like something you would order at a nice restaurant
- They come together in under 30 minutes but look and taste like you spent hours preparing them
02 -
- Do not overcook the crab under the broiler or it will become dry and tough, just warm it through
- Rubbing the toasted bread with a raw garlic clove before topping adds an incredible layer of flavor
03 -
- Buy the best quality crab meat your budget allows because the ingredient really shines here
- A light sprinkle of smoked paprika on top adds beautiful color and a hint of smokiness