Award-winning crab Pintxo, the Txangurro gratinado from Bar El Globo in Bilbao, is a dome of spider crab gratinated until the top is golden brown, and it’s a must-try.
Quick facts about Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado
- Also known as: Crab gratin
- Definition: Txangurro gratinado is a Spanish Pintxo made with crab, usually baked, served hot, and known for its creamy texture.
- Where we ate it: Bar El Globo, Bilbao
- Context: Spider crab – or Txangurro, as it’s known in the Basque Country – is one of the most popular ingredients in Bilbao. Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado from El Globo was so appreciated that it won several awards since it was launched.
- Served: hot
- Texture: silky
- Flavour: savoury
- Pronunciation: peen-cho deh chan-goo-rro gra-tee-nah-doh
- One-line verdict: One of Bilbao’s must-try pintxos.
Why it’s worth ordering
Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado from El Globo is for those who want to try a key Basque ingredient in a small format, that won awards.
Taste and texture
The first thing you notice about the Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado from El Globo is the color: the top of the Txangurro filling is deeply golden from being gratinated.
As you bite in, the crust reveals the creamy and savory filling, with the sweet, clean flavor of fresh spider crab. There is no fishiness, just the natural sweetness of good-quality shellfish.
How to order it
Since pintxos are not ordered at the table, you’d go to the bar and ask, “Un Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado, por favor.” You’ll probably pay on the spot, too. Then you take your plate to an available table and enjoy your Basque small bite.
Unlike cold pintxos displayed on the bar, Txangurro gratinado is heated before serving.
Watch it
Quick decision guide
You’ll like it if: you like seafood, especially if you want to try spider crab.
Frequently asked questions
Txangurro is the Basque name for Spider Crab. Centollo is the Castellano name for it.
Brown crab or Buey de Mar is a different species than the Spider crab.
Cangrejo means crab, and it is the generic name that includes multiple species.
No, this Pintxo is specific to El Globo. But you can enjoy Txangurro in many forms at other bars and restaurants in the city.
