If you're looking for a luxurious summer sharing dish that's worthy of the most elegant Instagram grids, this is it

Crab platter.

As impressive main courses go, nothing could be easier (and more showstopping) than this vibrant crab platter with shiso aioli. It makes a wonderful talking point for long al fresco lunches.

Buy ready-cooked crabs from your fishmonger and serve on a large platter, with some hammers to break into them. We've suggested three dressings. Make them all, or stick to one favorite if time is limited

This platter guarantees a summer table centerpiece which is as fun to eat as it is delicious – perfect for sharing in the sun with good company and some crisp white wine.

Ingredients

• Serves 6
  • 3 cooked whole crabs, about 1-1.25kg each
• For the shiso aioli
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 ½ cups groundnut oil
  • 6 shiso leaves, finely chopped
• For the tarragon and lemon dressing
  • ¼ cup tarragon, leaves only
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • Juice and grated zest of ½ lemon
  • 2 tsp Djion mustard
  • ⅔ cup crème fraîche
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • For the chilli and dill dressing
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tbsp sriracha, or other hot chilli sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 2 tbsp groundnut oil
  • 2 tbsp water
  • ¼ cup dill, chopped
  • Lemon wedges and herb sprigs, to serve

The Homes & Gardens method

(Image credit: Future)

1. To make the aioli, place the egg yolks, mustard and garlic in the bowl of a small blender. Whisk in the lemon juice.
2. With the motor still running, slowly add the oil, a little at a time, until you have a mayonnaise consistency.
3. Fold through the chopped shiso then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. For the tarragon and lemon dressing, blend everything together. Season with salt and pepper.
5. To make the chilli and dill dressing, mix all the ingredients except for the dill in a bowl. Just before serving, stir through the dill.
6. Cover and chill the dressings until ready to serve.

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If this is your first time serving crab, you may want to invest in some essential tools to make the experience easier and more enjoyable. A sturdy crab cracker or seafood hammer is a must-have for breaking through the shells without too much effort. Pair that with a seafood fork or pick to help extract the meat from the nooks and crannies.

This seafood tool set from Walmart includes everything you'll need for a small gathering, including six steel forks and three crackers.

Don’t forget a bowl for discarded shells and plenty of napkins or moist wipes – cracking crab can get delightfully messy.