Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is a simple yet indulgent dish, perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. The combination of tender, sweet crab legs with a rich, flavorful butter sauce makes for a delightful meal. Here’s a delicious recipe to make them at home!
Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs crab legs (king crab, snow crab, or Dungeness)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced (reserve wedges for serving)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a bit of smokiness)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Crab Legs:
- If using frozen crab legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for 30-60 minutes.
- Use kitchen shears to cut the crab leg shells down the center, making it easier to access the meat later. Alternatively, you can leave them whole if you prefer.
3. Make 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, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it simmer for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Bake the Crab Legs:
- Place the prepared crab legs onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the crab legs with the butter sauce, ensuring that they are well-covered.
- If you have extra butter sauce, set it aside for dipping later.
- Cover the crab legs loosely with aluminum foil to help steam them as they bake.
- Bake the crab legs for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the shells are fragrant.
5. Serve:
- Remove the crab legs from the oven. Distribute the remaining butter sauce over the crab legs and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve the crab legs with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
6. Optional Sides:
- Serve with additional melted butter for dipping, and enjoy with sides like garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Cracking Crab Legs: To make eating easier, use a crab cracker or nutcracker to crack open the shells. If you prefer, you can crack the shells slightly before baking.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for extra depth of flavor or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Alternative Cooking Method: You can also grill the crab legs instead of baking them for a smoky charred flavor. Just brush them with the butter sauce and grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.
This Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering. It’s perfect for a special meal or any time you’re craving a seafood feast. Enjoy! Let me know if you’d like any more tips or variations.