Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Crab legs (snow crab or king crab, thawed)
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Lemon slices (optional, for aroma)
Old Bay seasoning or seafood seasoning
Paprika
Black pepper
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt (optional, depending on seasoning)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature gently warms the crab legs without drying them out.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a large baking dish or roasting pan. Arrange the crab legs in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed. If the legs are long, you may carefully bend the joints to fit them into the pan.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter slowly. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant—do not brown it. Stir in lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and seafood seasoning. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Coat the Crab Legs

Pour the warm butter sauce evenly over the crab legs, making sure some of it seeps into the shells. Add lemon slices on top if using. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Halfway through baking, carefully spoon some of the butter sauce from the bottom of the pan over the crab legs to enhance flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the crab legs from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with extra butter sauce from the pan on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce
Serve alongside roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad
Add lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish

Tips for the Best Baked Crab Legs

Thaw completely before baking to ensure even heating
Do not overbake, as crab meat can become rubbery
Use unsalted butter so you control the salt level
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the butter sauce

Final Thoughts

Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce prove that seafood elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a straightforward baking method, you can enjoy tender, flavorful crab that tastes indulgent yet effortless. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this dish delivers comfort, richness, and pure seafood satisfaction in every bite.

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