Description
This recipe for Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce combines the sweet, succulent meat of king crab legs with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfectly baked and broiled for a golden, crackling finish, this dish is a gourmet feast that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
- King Crab Legs: 2 pounds, fresh or thawed from frozen
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), melted
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
- Lemon Juice: Juice of 1 lemon (plus lemon wedges for garnish)
- Old Bay Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon white wine or Worcestershire sauce for additional depth
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Crab Legs
- Rinse crab legs under cold water to remove any debris or salt.
- Using kitchen scissors, cut through the shell along one side to expose the meat slightly for better sauce absorption.
3. Craft the Butter Sauce
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and white wine or Worcestershire sauce (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
4. Arrange Crab Legs
- Place crab legs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Drizzle the butter sauce generously over the crab legs, reserving a small amount for brushing later.
5. Bake Crab Legs
- Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, creating a tent to trap steam.
- Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the crab to heat through.
6. Broil for Crispiness
- Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Brush the crab legs with the reserved butter sauce.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The edges should turn golden and slightly crisp.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer crab legs to a platter, drizzle with any remaining sauce, and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover crab legs can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Dietary Adjustments: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like plant-based butter or olive oil for lactose intolerance.
- Flavor Variations: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.