Spanner Crab Pasta: A Deliciously Casual Dish

If you're looking for a delicious seafood dinner, look no further than spanner crab pasta.

This dish is a favourite among seafood lovers, thanks to its delicate flavour and satisfying texture.

Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a tasty meal, spanner crab pasta is sure to impress.

To prepare spanner crab pasta, you'll need to start by selecting the freshest ingredients.

This includes high-quality pasta, fresh spanner crab meat, and a variety of herbs and spices to add flavour.

Once you have your ingredients, you can begin the process of preparing the dish.

This involves cooking the pasta, sautéing the crab meat, and combining the two with a delicious sauce.

If you're new to cooking seafood or just want to learn more about how to make the perfect spanner crab pasta, keep reading.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to prepare this delicious dish, from selecting the best ingredients to cooking the pasta to perfection.

By the end of this article, you'll be ready to impress your friends and family with a mouth-watering seafood dinner.

Key Takeaways

• Spanner crab pasta is a delicious seafood dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a tasty weeknight dinner.
• To prepare spanner crab pasta, you'll need high-quality pasta, fresh spanner crab meat, and a variety of herbs and spices to add flavour.
• By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make the perfect spanner crab pasta every time.

Preparing the Spanner Crab

If you're planning to make spanner crab pasta, you will need to prepare the crab first. Here's how to select, cook, and extract the meat from a spanner crab.

Selecting the Crab

When selecting your spanner crab, look for ones that are alive and active.

Avoid any crabs that have a foul smell or are missing legs or claws.

You can purchase live spanner crabs from a seafood market or fishmonger.

Cooking and Extracting the Meat

To cook the spanner crab, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the crab to the pot.

Boil the crab for 10-12 minutes or until the shell turns bright orange.

Remove the crab from the pot and let it cool.

To extract the meat from the crab, first remove the claws and legs by twisting them off at the joints.

Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut along the underside of the body shell and remove the top shell.

Remove the gills and any other unwanted parts from the body.

Use a spoon to scoop out the brown meat and set it aside.

Use your fingers or a fork to remove the white meat from the legs and claws.

If you don't have access to fresh spanner crab, you can use frozen crab meat instead.

Thaw the crab meat in the refrigerator overnight before using it in your recipe.

Be sure to drain off any excess liquid before using the crab meat.

Making the Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to making spanner crab pasta, the type of pasta you choose is crucial.

Spaghetti, spaghettini or linguine are the most popular types of pasta used in this recipe.

These types of pasta have a long and thin shape that complements the delicate flavour of spanner crab meat.

Cooking Pasta to Al Dente

Cooking pasta to al dente is essential for a perfect pasta dish.

Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, which refers to pasta that is cooked just enough to be firm but not hard.

To cook pasta to al dente, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous amount of salt, then add the pasta and cook it for about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions.

Reserve some pasta water for later use.

Sauce Preparation

The sauce for spanner crab pasta is relatively simple and requires only a few ingredients.

In a frying pan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.

Add garlic, chilli, and a pinch of sea salt flakes.

Cook until fragrant, then add the spanner crab meat, butter, and dry white wine.

Cook for a few minutes until the crab meat is cooked through. Add lemon juice and flat-leaf parsley to the pan and stir to combine.

Combining Ingredients

To combine the pasta and sauce, add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce.

Add a splash of pasta water and toss the pasta until it is coated with the sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of chilli flakes, pangrattato, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to prepare spanner crab for pasta?

The best way to prepare spanner crab for pasta is to first remove the meat from the shell and set it aside.

Then, in a separate pan, sauté garlic and chilli in olive oil until fragrant.

Add the crab meat to the pan and cook for a few minutes until heated through.

Finally, toss the crab meat with cooked pasta and serve immediately.

Can you recommend a good chilli crab pasta dish?

One delicious chilli crab pasta dish is this recipe from Seaco Online.

It features white crabmeat, vine-ripened tomatoes, and a handful of fresh herbs and spices for a flavourful kick.

How does spanner crab flavour compare to other types of crab?

Spanner crab has a sweet, delicate flavour that is often compared to that of lobster.

It has a slightly firmer texture than some other types of crab, making it a great choice for pasta dishes.

What are some top tips for making a delicious crab pasta dish?

When making crab pasta, it's important to use high-quality ingredients.

Look for fresh, meaty crab meat and use a good quality pasta.

Don't overcook the pasta, as it should be al dente.

Finally, be sure to season the dish well with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.

Where can I find a simple yet tasty crab pasta recipe?

For a simple yet delicious crab pasta recipe, check out this recipe from Savor the Best.

It features fresh crab meat, white wine, and plenty of herbs and spices for a flavourful and satisfying meal.

What should I look for when buying spanner crab meat for pasta?

When buying spanner crab meat for pasta, look for meat that is fresh and has a sweet, delicate aroma.

The meat should be firm and moist, with no signs of discolouration or dryness. If possible, choose meat that has been sustainably sourced and is free from additives or preservatives.