Skip to main content

Potted Crab

2.5

(1)

Image may contain Food Pizza and Meal
Potted CrabJeffrey Schad

The delicate sweetness of Alaskan king crab is front and center in this easy-to-make appetizer. The crab legs come already cooked and need only be cracked to extract the pink-flecked succulent meat.

Cooks' Notes:

•The potted crab can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and kept chilled, but don't forget to allow time (about 1 hour) to bring it to room temperature before serving.
•Baguette slices can be toasted 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    2 1/2 hours

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings (makes about 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

1 pound frozen Alaskan king crab legs (about 2), thawed
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons medium-dry Sherry
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to taste)

Accompaniment:

toasted baguette slices

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Crack crab shells with kitchen shears and extract meat. Cut enough crab into 1/2-inch pieces to measure 1/2 cup and transfer to a bowl.

    Step 2

    Pulse remaining crab in a food processor to finely chop (do not over process).

    Step 3

    Add to bowl with remaining ingredients and stir well. Season with salt to taste.

    Step 4

    Pack into a 1 1/2 cup crock or bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap.

    Step 5

    Chill at least 2 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Baking meatballs and green beans on two sides of the same sheet pan streamlines the cooking process for this saucy, savory dinner.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.