Keto Lemon Herb Crab Recipe: A Zesty, Low-Carb Delight You Won’t Resist

Craving a seafood dish that’s light, flavorful, and works with your keto goals? Right here: Keto Lemon Herb Crab—a zesty, buttery, and tangy seafood sensation perfect for anyone keeping it low-carb without sacrificing taste. If you’re trying to stay in ketosis but bored of the same grilled chicken or egg dishes, this crab recipe will shake things up in the best way.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Keto Lemon Herb Crab

Let’s start with the key players in this dish. Quality ingredients really make a difference here, so if you can, opt for fresh crab and herbs.

• 1 lb fresh crab meat (lump or jumbo lump, ideally from the seafood counter if you can)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for that rich, buttery flavor without any added salt)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic with butter and crab? Match made in heaven)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (and don’t toss the peels! We’ll zest ’em)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (for that zingy, aromatic twist)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (adds a touch of earthiness and a pop of color)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (another layer of flavor; if you’re not a fan, feel free to skip)
• Salt and pepper to taste (go easy on the salt; crab has its own natural salinity)
• Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat

Tip: Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the crab if it’s pre-packaged, so the butter and herbs really soak in.

Why This Recipe Works for Keto

Crab is naturally low in carbs and packed with high-quality protein. Pair it with butter for healthy fats, a splash of lemon for brightness, and fresh herbs for extra flavor—this recipe brings a perfect balance. Plus, each serving keeps your carbs low and fats high, ideal for staying in ketosis while enjoying a little luxury on your plate.

Quick Prep Tips

Before jumping into the recipe, let’s cover a few pro tips that’ll make your cooking experience smooth and your results delicious:

• Zesting Lemons: Always zest before you juice the lemon. The zest contains all those fragrant oils and packs more flavor than the juice alone.
• Garlic Prep: To make garlic easier to mince, lay the flat side of a chef’s knife over the clove and smash it. Then, mince away!
• Butter Browning: Browning your butter slightly before adding other ingredients gives it a nutty depth. Just don’t let it burn; medium heat is your friend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Crab

If you’re working with fresh crab, gently pick through it to remove any bits of shell. Lump crabmeat tends to have large, beautiful pieces that we want to keep as intact as possible, so handle with care. Set the crab aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic and Lemon

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt slowly. As it melts, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it’s fragrant but not browning. Add the lemon zest, letting it infuse into the butter and garlic mixture for another minute.

Step 3: Add the Crab Meat

Gently fold in the crab meat to the skillet, coating it in the buttery garlic mixture. Be gentle here to avoid breaking up the crab too much. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the crab is warmed through.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Herbs

Once the crab has warmed, pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the fresh parsley and dill over everything. Toss gently, ensuring all the crab gets a nice coating. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if you like a bit of heat, add in the red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Transfer your lemon herb crab to a serving dish or individual plates, making sure to drizzle every last drop of that lemony butter sauce on top. For presentation, you can add a few extra lemon wedges or a sprinkle of parsley for color.

How to Enjoy Keto Lemon Herb Crab

• Over Cauliflower Rice: This buttery crab dish is excellent served over cauliflower rice. It soaks up all that buttery, garlicky flavor, making it a perfect low-carb base.
• With Keto Garlic Bread: If you want a little something on the side, keto garlic bread is a great choice. You can use almond or coconut flour to make a bread that’ll pair beautifully with this seafood dish.
• In Lettuce Cups: Take your meal up a notch by spooning the crab into butter or Romaine lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy contrast.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (but honestly, there probably won’t be any!), you can store the crab in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat in a skillet with a little extra butter to keep the crab from drying out.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 18g
• Net Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.

Tips for Buying Fresh Crab

• Get It from the Seafood Counter: If possible, buy crab meat fresh from the seafood counter rather than pre-packaged.
• Smell It: Fresh crab should smell briny and like the sea—not fishy or sour.
• Check for Shells: Lump crab can have small shell fragments, so go through it with your fingers before cooking to avoid any unwelcome crunch.

Keto Lemon Herb Crab: Perfect for Meal Prep

Though this dish is often served hot, it works well as a cold dish, too. Just refrigerate the crab mixture and serve it chilled over a bed of greens or with avocado for a light, refreshing meal prep option.

Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the crab mixture, and divide it into meal prep containers with a side of keto-friendly veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or celery sticks. You can enjoy it cold or warm it up at work with just a quick zap in the microwave.

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Flavor Variations: Customize Your Keto Crab

• Spicy Cajun: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning to the butter and garlic mixture, or sprinkle some smoked paprika for a spicier kick.
• Garlic Parmesan: Toss in a handful of freshly grated parmesan right before serving. It’ll add a rich, cheesy depth that’s great if you’re missing that creamy texture.
• Herb Lemon Mayo: If you’re up for a little extra fat (and flavor), try adding a dollop of herb-infused mayonnaise on the side.

Why Keto Lemon Herb Crab Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick, fancy-feeling, and full of satisfying flavors that keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s low-carb and packed with healthy fats, so you’ll stay fuller longer, helping keep cravings at bay. It’s also versatile, working just as well for a weekday dinner as it does as a party appetizer (just serve it in cute little spoons or on cucumber rounds).

So, if you’re tired of rotating the same keto meals, give this lemony, herb-kissed crab recipe a whirl. You won’t regret it—and who knows, it may just become a new household favorite.

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