Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of baked crab legs with this simple yet decadent recipe. This dish transforms ordinary crab legs into a gourmet experience, offering a perfect balance of succulent meat, savory butter, and a hint of seasoning. Ideal for special occasions or an impressive dinner, it is both easy to prepare and satisfyingly delicious. Discover how to bring restaurant-quality crab legs right to your home with this foolproof baked crab legs recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of king crab legs (or snow crab legs)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or any preferred seafood seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Rinse the crab legs under cold water to remove any residual ice or debris, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut through the hard shell of the crab legs along the top to make it easier to access the meat later. This step helps the butter and seasonings penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well-blended.
- Arrange the crab legs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Drizzle the butter mixture generously over the crab legs, making sure to coat them thoroughly. You can also spoon some of the mixture directly into the cuts of the shell for added flavor.
- Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, allowing the crab meat to heat through and soak up the flavors of the butter sauce.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to let the butter sauce slightly caramelize, giving the crab legs a golden finish.
- Once done, remove the crab legs from the oven and give them a final drizzle of melted butter for an extra touch of richness.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for added zest. Enjoy the baked crab legs with your favorite dipping sauces, or simply savor the buttery goodness on their own.
Conclusion: These baked crab legs in butter sauce are the perfect way to treat yourself and your guests to a sumptuous seafood dish. The key to this recipe is the combination of fresh ingredients and the ease of preparation, which makes it a go-to for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or the main dish, this recipe ensures the crab legs are succulent, flavorful, and irresistible.