Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce A Luxurious Seafood Delight

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home, Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is the perfect recipe for you. This dish combines tender, juicy crab meat with a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for a special dinner or seafood feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.

• Rich & Flavorful: The butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the crab.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, date nights, or a weekend treat.

• Minimal Cleanup: Baked on a sheet pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Crab Legs:

• 2 lbs crab legs (king crab or snow crab)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning for extra spice)

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crab Legs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Rinse the crab legs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. Using kitchen shears, cut slits along the shell to help the butter sauce seep in.

4. Place the crab legs on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

2. Make the Butter Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

2. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Bake the Crab Legs

1. Brush or drizzle the butter sauce generously over the crab legs.

2. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

3. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes to allow slight caramelization.

4. Serve & Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

2. Serve immediately with extra butter sauce for dipping.

Tips for the Best Baked Crab Legs

• Use high-quality crab legs for the best taste and texture.

• Don’t overbake—crab meat is already cooked, so just heat it through.

• For extra smoky flavor, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

• Pair with garlic bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.

What to Serve with Baked Crab Legs

• Garlic Butter Pasta – A creamy side that complements the seafood.

• Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli – Light and refreshing.

• Corn on the Cob – A classic pairing with crab legs.

• Chilled White Wine or Champagne – Elevates the dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is a luxurious yet easy seafood dish that brings out the best flavors of crab. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy restaurant-quality crab legs at home!

Let us know how yours turned out in the comments! 🦀🍋🥂