Craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish without the restaurant prices or complicated techniques? Then look no further! This Crab in Tomato Sauce recipe is the perfect solution. It's a surprisingly easy dish to make, bursting with fresh flavors and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal, or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the delightful blend of succulent crab meat and tangy tomato sauce – a culinary journey you won't want to miss!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Mince the garlic and chop the basil. If using, measure out your white wine or broth.
Making the Sauce:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes, white wine (or broth), oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adding the Crab:
- Stir in the butter until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Gently add the crab meat to the sauce. Avoid overcooking the crab, as it can become tough. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Finishing Touches:
- Season the crab in tomato sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh basil. Remove from heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the crab in tomato sauce immediately over your favorite pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti. Crusty bread is also a fantastic accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.
Tips for the Best Crab in Tomato Sauce:
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the crab meat; it only needs a few minutes to heat through.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine.
Variations:
- Spicy Crab: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Crab: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end for a creamier sauce.
- Lemon Crab: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Garlic Lover's Crab: Increase the amount of garlic to your liking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on pasta/bread choice and serving size)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g (depending on pasta/bread choice and serving size)
Note: This is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe for crab in tomato sauce is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that are achievable even on busy weeknights. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and elevate your homemade cooking to new heights! Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed your culinary creation!