Appetizer · Main Course · Dinner · Spanish ·

Basque Txangurro a la Donostiarra with Crab and Brandy

Name: Basque Txangurro a la Donostiarra with Crab and Brandy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 500g fresh crab meat; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp brandy; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium tomato, peeled and chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Lemon wedges for serving; Extra parsley leaves, optional

An exquisite Basque specialty combining fresh crab meat with brandy, tomato, and spices, baked until golden.

4.5(869 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 24, 2025

Basque Txangurro a la Donostiarra with Crab and Brandy — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Crab Filling

For the Crust

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 307 kcal
Protein: 27.65 g
Carbs: 7.48 g
Fat: 14.9 g
Fiber: 1.35 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1227 kcal
Protein: 110.6 g
Carbs: 29.9 g
Fat: 59.6 g
Fiber: 5.4 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g fresh crab meat	495	106	0	6.5	0
1 medium onion finely chopped	44	1.2	10.3	0.1	1.9
2 cloves garlic minced	9	0.4	2	0	0.1
3 tbsp brandy	135	0	0	0	0
3 tbsp olive oil	357	0	0	40.5	0
1 medium tomato peeled and chopped	22	1.1	4.8	0.2	1.5
Salt and black pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 tbsp breadcrumbs	50	1.3	9.5	0.5	0.5
1 tbsp butter melted	102	0.1	0	11.5	0
1 tbsp parsley finely chopped	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1
1 tsp smoked paprika	6	0.3	1.1	0.3	1.1
Lemon wedges for serving	6	0.1	2	0	0.2
Extra parsley leaves optional	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Crab Meat

1
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped tomato, and garlic.
2
Season
Add salt and pepper, then gently mix to combine.
3
Marinate
Pour in the brandy and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Tip: Use fresh crab for the best flavor; canned versions might alter the taste.

Preparing the Crust

1
Mix Crust Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, and smoked paprika.
2
Combine
Mix until it resembles coarse sand.
3
Set Aside
Set aside until ready to use.

How to Make Basque Txangurro a la Donostiarra with Crab and Brandy

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Sautéing
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onions and cook until translucent.
2
Simmering
Add the marinated crab mixture and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the brandy to simmer.
3
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spoon the crab mixture into individual ramekins, top with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.