Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs are the ultimate way to enjoy seafood at home with ease and elegance. This simple recipe transforms store-bought crab legs into a restaurant-quality dish that’s bursting with flavor. With a garlicky butter sauce, a touch of lemon, and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, these baked crab legs are rich, savory, and perfect for seafood lovers.
Although crab legs may look intimidating, they’re already pre-cooked and require minimal effort to prepare. By baking them in the oven, the flavors infuse beautifully while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Even better, cleanup is simple thanks to the foil-lined sheet pan.
Did you know that crab has been a delicacy for centuries, especially prized in coastal regions from Alaska to the Mediterranean? Today, it’s one of the easiest ways to bring a taste of the ocean straight to your table.
So, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a special occasion, these crab legs make any meal feel luxurious.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs king crab legs, thawed if frozen
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Mix butter sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay, and smoked paprika until smooth.
3. Arrange crab legs:
Place crab legs on the prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with the butter sauce, coating all sides. Set aside a portion of the sauce in a separate bowl before brushing, and reserve it for serving.
4. Bake the crab:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crab legs are heated through and the shells look slightly crisp.
5. Garnish and serve:
Remove from the oven, drizzle with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Choose the right crab: King crab legs deliver big flavor, but snow crab legs are easier to crack and just as delicious.
- Don’t overbake: Crab legs are already cooked, so baking them too long can dry out the meat. Keep an eye on the time.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a kick of heat.
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