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!