Easy Keto Butter Poached Crab with Lemon & Dill Recipe

Crab lovers, this one’s for you. If you’ve never had butter-poached crab, you’re missing out. It’s rich, tender, and soaked in a buttery bath with just the right touch of lemon and dill. And the best part? It’s completely keto-friendly.

This dish is perfect for a fancy dinner or even a quick meal when you want something luxurious without much effort. The ingredients are simple, the process is easy, and the taste? Absolutely next level.

Let’s get straight to it.

Why This Recipe Works

• Keto-Friendly – Crab is naturally low in carbs, and butter adds healthy fats, making it a perfect keto meal.
• Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just simple poaching.
• Packed with Flavor – Butter, lemon, and dill bring out the best in crab without overpowering it.
• Restaurant-Worthy – This tastes like something you’d order at a high-end seafood place, but you’re making it right at home.

What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh crab meat (lump or claw)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)

Optional Additions

• Cayenne Pepper – If you like a little heat.
• Paprika – Adds a bit of smokiness.
• Chili Flakes – A small pinch if you want a slight kick.

How to Pick the Best Crab Meat

Not all crab meat is the same. If you want the best results, follow these tips:

• Fresh Over Canned – Fresh lump crab has the best texture and flavor. Canned or pasteurized versions can be used, but they won’t be as tender.
• Check for Shells – Even with cleaned crab meat, you might find tiny bits of shell. Take a few seconds to check before cooking.
• Wild-Caught If Possible – It usually has better taste and texture compared to farm-raised crab.

If you’re buying whole crab, make sure it smells fresh, not fishy. A bad smell means it’s past its prime.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Poaching Liquid

• In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Don’t rush this step—if the butter gets too hot, it’ll brown, and we don’t want that.
• Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.

Step 2: Poaching the Crab Meat

• Lower the heat to the lowest setting. You want the butter to be warm, not bubbling.
• Gently place the crab meat into the pan, spooning the butter over it.
• Let it sit in the warm butter bath for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to warm the crab through without breaking it apart.
• Sprinkle in the fresh dill and mix gently.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

• Use a slotted spoon to remove the crab from the butter.
• Spoon some extra butter sauce over the top.
• Garnish with a little extra dill and a slice of lemon.

What to Serve It With

This crab is rich and buttery, so you want something that balances it out. Here are a few keto-friendly options:

• Zucchini Noodles – Toss them in some of the leftover butter sauce.
• Cauliflower Mash – A creamy side to soak up the butter.
• Grilled Asparagus – A fresh, slightly charred vegetable pairs well.
• Avocado Slices – Adds creaminess and extra healthy fats.
• Keto Bread – Dip it into the extra butter for an extra treat.

Tips for Perfect Butter-Poached Crab

• Don’t Overheat the Butter – High heat will burn the butter and make the crab rubbery. Keep it low and slow.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lemon juice and dill make a huge difference.
• Be Gentle – Crab meat is delicate, so stir softly to avoid breaking it apart.
• Make Extra Butter Sauce – It’s too good not to drizzle over your sides.

Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• Keep leftover crab in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Do not freeze—it ruins the texture.

How to Reheat

• Warm up some butter in a pan over low heat.
• Add the crab and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir gently until heated through.

Why This Recipe is Great for Keto

• High in Healthy Fats – Butter and crab provide good fats to keep you in ketosis.
• Low in Carbs – Practically zero carbs per serving.
• Protein-Rich – Helps keep you full without spiking blood sugar.
• Tastes Like a Cheat Meal – But it’s 100% keto-friendly.

If you’re tired of the usual keto meals, this is a refreshing and satisfying change.

Variations & Substitutions

• Butter Alternatives – Try ghee for a nuttier flavor or a mix of butter and olive oil.
• Different Herbs – Swap dill for parsley, tarragon, or chives.
• Add Some Spice – A pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning takes it in a new direction.
• Lobster Instead of Crab – Works just as well with lobster tails.

Can You Use Frozen Crab Meat?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it properly. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight, then pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Conclusion

This butter-poached crab with lemon and dill is the kind of meal that feels fancy but is actually easy to make. It’s rich, buttery, and melts in your mouth.

Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or even just when you want something better than the usual.

Try it once, and it might just become your favorite keto seafood dish.

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