Description
Garlic Butter King Crab Rolls are a delightful dish that brings the taste of the ocean to your table. With tender king crab meat enveloped in soft rolls and coated in rich garlic butter, these rolls create a symphony of flavors. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, they promise to impress everyone around you. This recipe is simple yet indulgent and will become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
King Crab Meat
For this recipe, you need 1 pound of fresh or frozen king crab meat. The sweet and delicate flavor of king crab is the star of this dish. If using frozen meat, ensure it is thawed properly for the best texture.
Soft Rolls
You will require 4 soft hoagie or lobster rolls. These rolls should be fresh and fluffy to hold the filling well without falling apart. A good roll enhances the overall experience of the dish.
Unsalted Butter
Use ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. The butter adds richness and creaminess to the rolls and balances the strong flavor of garlic. It’s important to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness in your dish.
Fresh Garlic
You need 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced. Garlic infuses the butter with its aromatic flavor, making every bite delightful. Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust taste than pre-minced varieties.
Lemon Juice
Include 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The acidity from lemon juice brightens up the flavors and complements the richness of the crab meat and butter.
Fresh Parsley
You’ll need ¼ cup of freshly chopped parsley for garnish. Parsley adds color as well as a fresh taste that elevates the overall presentation and flavor profile of the dish.
Salt and Pepper
To taste. Use salt and pepper to season each layer, ensuring that all components are flavorful. Adjust according to personal preference for seasoning.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all ingredients on your kitchen counter. If using frozen king crab meat, ensure it has thawed completely under cold water or in your refrigerator overnight. Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop parsley so they are ready to mix into your garlic butter.
Make Garlic Butter Mixture
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter until fully melted but not browned. Add minced garlic into the melted butter and sauté gently for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. Remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix Crab Meat with Garlic Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked king crab meat with half of your prepared garlic butter mixture. Gently fold together until all pieces are coated evenly with the buttery goodness while keeping some chunks intact for texture.
Toast Your Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, slice each hoagie roll lengthwise but not all the way through; leave a hinge on one side so they remain intact. Brush both sides inside out with remaining garlic butter before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Fill Your Rolls
Carefully spoon generous amounts of the crab mixture into each toasted roll until filled comfortably without spilling over. Press down lightly if needed to ensure an even distribution among all rolls.
Bake Your Rolls
Place filled rolls into your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are heated through and slightly golden on top edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning; you want them warm but not overly crispy!
Garnish and Serve
Once removed from the oven, drizzle any leftover garlic butter over each roll generously before sprinkling chopped parsley on top for added freshness and color. Serve immediately while warm alongside extra lemon wedges if desired!