Description
Delicious baked crab legs coated in a flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, and fresh parsley. This recipe offers a simple yet indulgent seafood dish perfect for a special dinner, featuring tender crab meat with a golden, crispy finish achieved by broiling.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Legs
- 2 lbs crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crab Legs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using frozen crab legs, make sure to thaw them completely. Cut along the shells to expose some of the crab meat for better flavor absorption.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add minced garlic, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Coat the Crab Legs: Place the crab legs on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Generously brush the crab legs with the prepared butter sauce, reserving some sauce for serving later.
- Bake the Crab Legs: Cover the baking sheet loosely with foil to retain moisture and bake the crab legs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until heated through and tender.
- Broil for Crispiness: Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil on high. Broil the crab legs for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the crab legs to a serving platter, drizzle with reserved butter sauce, and serve with fresh lemon wedges. Pair with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- If using frozen crab legs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit it to control heat level.
- Broiling is essential for the crispy finish but watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic in the butter sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
