Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Lori Walker, RD & Recipe Developer published on January 14, 2024

Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe is one of the most delicious and easy-to-make dishes you can make at home. This recipe is ideal for any special occasion or gathering, and it is sure to have everyone asking for more. This crab claw recipe is full of flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. It is also a great way to add some variety to your seafood repertoire.

copeland's hot crab claws recipe

What Are Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws?

Copeland’s is a renowned restaurant chain that brings the vibrant flavors of New Orleans to its patrons. Established with a commitment to delivering the essence of Cajun and Creole cuisine, Copeland’s has become a go-to destination for those seeking a taste of the Big Easy in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the standout dishes on Copeland’s menu is the Hot Crab Claws. This signature appetizer captures the essence of Louisiana’s seafood-rich culinary tradition with a unique twist. The dish showcases the restaurant’s dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and expert culinary techniques to create a memorable dining experience.

The dish is typically served warm, and the crab claws are cooked in a garlic butter sauce. The result is a flavorful and delicious meal that will surely please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws?

This Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe is a great option if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. This recipe is full of flavor and the crab claws are cooked in a garlic butter sauce, giving the dish a unique and delicious taste. This recipe is also a great way to add some variety to your seafood repertoire.

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The Ingredients

  • Crab claws: Fresh crab claws are the star of the dish, providing a sweet and succulent seafood flavor. The claws are the main protein source and highlight the freshness of the seafood.
  • Grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity. They contribute a vibrant color, freshness, and a juicy texture to the dish, balancing the richness of the crab claws.
  • Olive oil: Olive oil serves as the cooking fat and imparts a rich and fruity flavor to the dish. It enhances the overall mouthfeel and helps distribute flavors.
  •  Red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat, adding a spicy kick to the dish. The heat contrasts with the sweetness of the crab claws and complements the other flavors.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic adds a robust and savory element to the recipe. It infuses the oil with its aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the crab claws.
  • Ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a warm and earthy spice, contributing depth and complexity to the flavor profile. It complements the sweetness of the crab and the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Italian salad dressing: Italian salad dressing serves as a flavorful marinade, providing a tangy and herb-infused element to the dish. It enhances the overall taste and contributes to the Mediterranean-inspired profile.
  • Unsalted butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce. It helps create a luscious coating for the crab claws and combines with the olive oil for a well-rounded flavor.
copeland's hot crab claws

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Claws:

Embark on your culinary journey by meticulously cleaning and preparing fresh crab claws, ensuring they are ready for the delightful cooking experience. If the crab claws prove a challenge, wield a crab cracker or kitchen shears to make them easily accessible.

Step 2: Halve the Grape Tomatoes:

Infuse a burst of freshness into your dish by gracefully halving the grape tomatoes, preparing them to harmonize with the succulent crab claws.

Step 3: Preheat the Olive Oil:

Elevate the essence of your creation by preheating a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:

Introduce an aromatic symphony to the stage by adding minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the heated olive oil. Allow their flavors to dance for a minute, captivating your senses.

Step 5: Sauté Crab Claws:

With precision and care, add the fresh crab claws to the skillet, allowing them to elegantly sauté in the flavored oil, ensuring an even coat of delectable flavors.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes:

Gracefully introduce the halved grape tomatoes to the pan, orchestrating a delicate stir to seamlessly combine them with the dancing crab claws.

Step 7: Season with Pepper:

Bestow a touch of elegance by seasoning the ensemble with freshly ground black pepper, tailoring the spice level to your discerning taste.

Step 8: Pour Italian Salad Dressing:

Unveil a zesty and herby layer by pouring Italian salad dressing over the crab claws and tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that will resonate with every bite.

Step 9: Incorporate Unsalted Butter:

Integrate richness into the narrative by cutting unsalted butter into small cubes and adding them to the pan. Stir with finesse, allowing the butter to gracefully coat the crab claws, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 10: Cook Until Heated Through:

With patience and culinary prowess, continue to cook the crab claws and tomatoes until they reach a harmonious crescendo of flavors, ensuring the sauce envelops each piece.

Step 11: Serve Hot:

Once the culinary masterpiece is complete, transfer the hot crab claws and tomatoes to a serving platter, ready to captivate the palates of your discerning audience.

Step 12: Garnish (Optional):

For a final touch of visual allure, optionally garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or other fresh herbs, adding both color and a hint of additional freshness.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy:

Present your Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws with pride, whether as a delightful appetizer or a captivating main dish. Relish the succulent crab, enveloped in a flavorful sauce, promising an exquisite and flavorful dining experience. Perfect for savoring each moment of indulgence.

Notes

• Make sure to use fresh or frozen crab claws for this recipe.
• You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.
• If you’re using frozen crab claws, make sure to thaw them before adding them to the recipe.
• You can also add other herbs and spices to the garlic butter sauce, such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or Old Bay Seasoning.
• If you’re looking for a more intense flavor, use garlic powder instead of minced garlic.
• You can serve the Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

copeland's hot crab claws

Nutrition Information

This Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful meal. Each serving contains approximately 140 calories, 11.3 grams of fat, 1.2 grams of carbohydrates, and 7.2 grams of protein.

How to Store Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws?

This Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will be kept for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Variations

• You can add other herbs and spices to the garlic butter sauce, such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or Old Bay Seasoning.
• If you’re looking for a more intense flavor, use garlic powder instead of minced garlic.
• You can also add some diced bell peppers to the dish for an additional flavor.
• You can also add some white wine to the garlic butter sauce for an extra flavor.
• You can also use other types of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, in this recipe.

copeland's hot crab claws

Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe

Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe is one of the most delicious and easy-to-make dishes you can make at home.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: copeland’s hot crab claws recipe
Servings: 8
Calories: 245kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • knife
  • chopping board

Ingredients

  • 4 Pounds of Fresh Crab Claws the ocean’s delicacy
  • 1/2 Pint of Jewel-like Grape Tomatoes
  • 1/2 Cup of Liquid Gold Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Fiery Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 Tablespoons of Minced Garlic the aromatic magic
  • 1/4 Teaspoon of Freshly Ground Black Pepper the aromatic dance
  • 1/2 Quart of Sun-Kissed Italian Salad Dressing
  • 6 Tablespoons of Wholesome Unsalted Butter

Instructions

  • Clean and prepare the fresh crab claws, ensuring they are ready for cooking. If the crab claws are not cracked, you can use a crab cracker or kitchen shears to make them more accessible.
  • Cut the grape tomatoes in half to add a burst of freshness to the dish.
  • In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the heated olive oil. Sauté for a minute or until the garlic becomes aromatic.
  • Carefully add the fresh crab claws to the skillet. Sauté them in the flavored oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Introduce the halved grape tomatoes to the pan. Stir gently to combine them with the crab claws.
  • Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
  • Pour the Italian salad dressing over the crab claws and tomatoes. This will add a zesty and herby flavor to the dish.
  • Cut the unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the pan. Stir well to incorporate the butter into the sauce, creating a rich and flavorful coating.
  • Continue to cook the crab claws and tomatoes until they are heated and the flavors melded together. The sauce should be well-coated on the crab claws.
  • Once everything is thoroughly cooked, transfer the hot crab claws and tomatoes to a serving platter.
  • Garnish with additional chopped parsley or fresh herbs for a burst of color and added freshness.
  • Serve the Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws immediately as a delightful appetizer or main dish. Enjoy the succulent crab with the flavorful sauce!

Notes

  • Make sure to use fresh or frozen crab claws for this recipe.
  • You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.
  • If you’re using frozen crab claws, make sure to thaw them before adding them to the recipe.
  • You can also add other herbs and spices to the garlic butter sauce, such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or Old Bay Seasoning.
  • If you’re looking for a more intense flavor, use garlic powder instead of minced garlic.
  • You can serve the Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe Healthy?

Yes, Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe is a healthy and flavorful meal. Each serving contains approximately 140 calories, 11.3 grams of fat, 1.2 grams of carbohydrates, and 7.2 grams of protein.

Q2. How long will this Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe keep in the refrigerator?

This Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will keep for up to 5 days.

Q3. Can I use frozen crab claws for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen crab claws for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the recipe.

Q4. Can I use other types of seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, in this recipe.

Q5. Can I add other herbs and spices to the garlic butter sauce?

Yes, you can add other herbs and spices to the garlic butter sauce, such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or Old Bay Seasoning.

Q6. Can I serve this Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad?

Yes, you can serve the Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

Q7. Can I use garlic powder instead of minced garlic for this recipe?

Yes, if you’re looking for a more intense flavor, you can use garlic powder instead of minced garlic.

Conclusion

Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion. This recipe is full of flavor and the crab claws are cooked in a garlic butter sauce, giving the dish a unique and delicious taste. The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find, and the steps to prepare it are straightforward. 

This dish is also a great way to add some variety to your seafood repertoire. Try this Copeland’s Hot Crab Claws Recipe today and you won’t be disappointed!

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Author Profile

Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more

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