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sheet pan crab legs recipe

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  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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.