Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce are a luxurious and indulgent dish that combines the sweetness of tender crab meat with a rich, garlicky butter sauce.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brings a touch of elegance to any meal. The crab legs are baked to perfection, allowing the flavors of the buttery sauce to infuse every bite. This dish is perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Even if you’re not a seafood enthusiast, the simplicity and richness of this recipe might just change your mind. If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s both decadent and easy to make, look no further. And if you’re not a fan of garlic, you can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste—the results will still be undeniably delicious!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- Kitchen shears (for cutting crab legs, if needed)
- Serving tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Crab Legs:
- If the crab legs are not pre-cut, use kitchen shears to cut along the length of the shell to make them easier to eat. Place the crab legs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Coat the Crab Legs:
- Using a basting brush, generously coat the crab legs with the butter sauce, making sure to get some of the garlic and seasonings on each leg.
- Bake the Crab Legs:
- Bake the crab legs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the butter sauce is bubbling. If using frozen crab legs, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the crab legs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 30g
Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is a dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in. The combination of sweet crab meat with the rich, buttery sauce is simply irresistible. Pair it with a crisp salad and some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s fit for a special occasion, yet easy enough to make anytime!
Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- Kitchen shears (for cutting crab legs, if needed)
- Serving tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of crab legs king crab or snow crab
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning optional
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Crab Legs:
- If the crab legs are not pre-cut, use kitchen shears to cut along the length of the shell to make them easier to eat. Place the crab legs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Coat the Crab Legs:
- Using a basting brush, generously coat the crab legs with the butter sauce, making sure to get some of the garlic and seasonings on each leg.
- Bake the Crab Legs:
- Bake the crab legs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the butter sauce is bubbling. If using frozen crab legs, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the crab legs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
- Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 25 minutes
- Total Time:
- 40 minutes
- Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is a dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in. The combination of sweet crab meat with the rich, buttery sauce is simply irresistible. Pair it with a crisp salad and some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s fit for a special occasion, yet easy enough to make anytime!
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