Steamed Jonah Crab Claws
Sweet, briny Jonah crab claws steamed to perfection and served with melted butter. A New England seafood classic that's incredibly simple to prepare — the crab's natural flavor does all the work. Perfect as a weeknight treat or a special occasion appetizer.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Rinse and check the crab claws.
Run the crab claws under cold water to remove any loose bits of shell. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- boil · ~5 min
Set up the steamer.
1.Pour 4 cups of water into the bottom of a large stockpot.2.Add a pinch of salt to the water.3.Insert the steamer basket, ensuring it sits above the water level.4.Cover with the lid and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. - steam · ~6 min
Steam the crab claws.
1.Carefully arrange the crab claws in the steamer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.2.Cover tightly with the lid.3.Steam for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shells turn bright orange-red and the meat is opaque throughout.TIPDon't overcrowd the basket — the steam needs to circulate around each claw for even cooking. - prep · ~1 min
Melt the butter.
While the crab steams, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a pinch of black pepper.
- assemble · ~1 min
Plate and serve immediately.
1.Transfer the steamed crab claws to a large serving platter.2.Scatter the chopped fresh parsley over the top.3.Serve alongside the warm melted butter and lemon wedges.4.Crack the claws at the table and dip the sweet meat in butter.TIPCover the claws with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm on the way to the table.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use a steamer basket that fits snugly in the pot so the claws steam evenly.
- 2Work in batches if needed — overcrowding the steamer basket causes uneven cooking.
- 3To test doneness, look for bright orange-red shells and opaque, white meat.
- 4Keep the claws warm under a clean kitchen towel while you bring them to the table.
- 5Serve with crab crackers and seafood picks for easy shell removal.
- 6Leftover steamed claws can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic butter
Add 1 minced garlic clove and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the melted butter for a savory, slightly spicy dipping sauce.
old bay seasoningOld bay seasoning
Sprinkle the crab claws with 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning before steaming for a classic Chesapeake Bay twist on this New England dish.
herb infusedHerb-infused
Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and a bay leaf to the steaming water to subtly perfume the crab meat with herbal notes.
chilled crab clawsChilled crab claws
After steaming, chill the claws in the refrigerator for 1 hour and serve cold with a tangy cocktail sauce for a refreshing summer appetizer.
low butterLow-butter
Replace the melted butter with a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt for a lower-fat option that still highlights the crab's natural flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Jonah crab claws provide high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in Selenium
Crab meat is a good source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that supports thyroid function and immune health.
Low in Saturated Fat
When served without excessive butter, crab claws are naturally low in saturated fat, making them a heart-friendly seafood choice.
Contains Vitamin B12
Jonah crab provides vitamin B12, which is important for red blood cell formation and nervous system health.
Frequently asked questions
The shells should turn a bright orange-red, and the meat inside will be opaque and white, not translucent. This usually takes 5 to 6 minutes of steaming.
