Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

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Few seafood dishes rival the indulgent flavor of Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce. This meal is a celebration of rich, savory decadence wrapped in the tender sweetness of fresh crab meat. Baked to perfection and drizzled with a garlic butter sauce, each bite melts in your mouth, offering a luxurious dining experience whether served on a quiet evening at home or at a festive gathering.

The secret lies in its simplicity — high-quality crab legs, a perfectly balanced butter sauce with hints of garlic, lemon, and spice, and just enough time in the oven to lock in all the natural flavors. With minimal prep and maximum taste, this recipe is the ideal choice when you want to serve something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients for Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

• 2 lbs king crab legs (or snow crab legs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your crab legs are frozen, thaw them beforehand by running under cool water or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Using kitchen shears, carefully cut along the shell to expose some of the crab meat. This helps the butter sauce seep in during baking and makes them easier to eat.

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Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in the chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 3: Arrange and Coat

Place the crab legs in a single layer on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Brush them generously with the prepared butter sauce, making sure to get it into the exposed meat sections. Reserve a bit of the sauce for serving.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. The shells will deepen in color and the meat will be heated through, infused with buttery goodness. For extra flavor, baste once more with the butter sauce halfway through cooking.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the crab legs. Sprinkle with additional parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:
Leftover baked crab legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to retain moisture, or in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or leftover butter sauce.

Freezing:
While freshly made crab legs are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze leftovers. Place them in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven as noted above.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 1000mg

Note: Values may vary based on the type of crab and butter used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of crab legs work best for this recipe?

King crab legs are the most popular due to their large size and tender meat, but snow crab legs are a great alternative and often more budget-friendly.

Do I need to crack the shells before baking?

It’s not required, but cutting them open slightly helps the butter sauce soak in and makes them easier to eat.

Can I make the butter sauce in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate it up to 3 days in advance. Reheat gently before using.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. The cayenne pepper adds mild heat, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I grill the crab legs instead of baking them?

Yes! Brush with butter sauce and grill over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes per side.

What sides go well with baked crab legs?

Try garlic bread, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Can I use imitation crab meat?

Not for this dish. The texture and structure of real crab legs are essential here.

How do I tell when the crab legs are done?

They’re pre-cooked when purchased, so baking just heats and flavors them. Look for a golden, bubbly sauce and hot, steamy meat.

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