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Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

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
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Ingredients Equipment Method

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

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Small saucepan
  • Basting brush
  • Kitchen shears (for cutting crab legs, if needed)
  • Serving tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Butter Sauce:
  3. 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.
  4. Prepare the Crab Legs:
  5. 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.
  6. Coat the Crab Legs:
  7. 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.
  8. Bake the Crab Legs:
  9. 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.
  10. Garnish and Serve:
  11. 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.
  12. Prep Time:
  13. 15 minutes
  14. Cook Time:
  15. 25 minutes
  16. Total Time:
  17. 40 minutes
  18. Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):
  19. Calories: 310
  20. Total Fat: 20g
  21. Saturated Fat: 12g
  22. Cholesterol: 125mg
  23. Sodium: 1050mg
  24. Total Carbohydrate: 1g
  25. Sugars: 0g
  26. Protein: 30g
  27. 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!