Keto Lemon Herb Crab Recipe

🦀 Keto Lemon Herb Crab Recipe

Low-Carb, Buttery, and Bursting with Flavor

Quick Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~310 per serving
• Net Carbs: 3g

🌿 Introduction

Looking for a keto-friendly seafood dish that’s elegant, buttery, and ready in minutes? This Keto Lemon Herb Crab is the perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and rich garlic butter — all while staying low in carbs and high in healthy fats.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a gourmet meal for guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the carbs or complexity. Pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for the ultimate keto indulgence.

🍋 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Keto-Perfect Balance: High in protein and healthy fats with just 3g net carbs.
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in only 20 minutes — ideal for weeknights.
✅ Gourmet Flavor: Buttery, garlicky, lemony sauce makes the crab shine.
✅ Versatile: Works with fresh, frozen, or imitation crab.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

🍳 Instructions

Step 1 – Melt the Flavor Base

In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it — just soften).

Step 2 – Add Zesty Brightness

Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. The aroma will bloom immediately, creating a bright and buttery base.

Step 3 – Gently Warm the Crab

Add crab meat to the pan. Toss lightly to coat in the sauce. Heat for about 2–3 minutes, just until warm — avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender.

Step 4 – Taste & Finish

Adjust seasoning if needed. Add red pepper flakes for heat or extra lemon juice for brightness.

Step 5 – Serve & Savor

Serve warm over zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or fresh spinach for a full keto meal. Garnish with extra herbs and a lemon wedge.

💡 Pro Tips from chef

✨ Use Real Butter: It gives the richest flavor and helps emulsify the sauce.
✨ Don’t Overheat Crab: Always warm gently — crab cooks quickly and can toughen fast.
✨ Balance the Lemon: Add juice gradually; the goal is brightness, not sourness.
✨ Add a Creamy Twist: Stir in 2 tbsp of heavy cream at the end for a richer finish.

🧬 Keto Focus

This dish is keto gold — zero added sugars, moderate protein, and plenty of good fats. Crab provides clean protein, while butter and olive oil deliver satisfying richness that keeps you full and in ketosis.

🥗 Serving Ideas

• Over zoodles (zucchini noodles) with extra herbs
• With cauliflower rice for a heartier bowl
• On butter lettuce leaves as light keto wraps
• Alongside roasted asparagus or grilled broccoli

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a drizzle of olive oil or butter.
• ❌ Avoid microwaving — it can dry out the crab and alter texture.

🌶️ Flavor Variations

• Spicy Cajun Style: Add ½ tsp Cajun seasoning and a dash of paprika.
• Mediterranean Twist: Mix in chopped capers, olives, and oregano.
• Creamy Garlic Crab: Add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Asian Fusion: Replace lemon with lime and add a touch of sesame oil.

🥂 Perfect Pairings

Pair your Keto Lemon Herb Crab with:

• Dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• Sparkling lemon water or kombucha for non-alcoholic option

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Values estimated; may vary by ingredients used.)

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use imitation crab?
Yes — though fresh lump crab has better texture and flavor. If using imitation, check for hidden carbs or starches.

Q2: Is this recipe dairy-free?
It can be! Replace butter with ghee or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Q3: What sides go best with this?
Try cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, or zoodles for a fully balanced keto plate.

Q4: How do I make it creamier?
Add 2 tbsp of heavy cream or cream cheese after step 3 and mix until smooth.