Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

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Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce, a dish that perfectly balances elegance and simplicity. The succulent crab meat, encased in its vibrant shell, is generously coated in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce that enhances its natural sweetness. A hint of spices and fresh herbs takes it to the next level, making every bite an irresistible delight.

Whether you’re preparing a special seafood dinner or just craving a decadent yet easy-to-make meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Served with lemon wedges and a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, this dish transforms any meal into a feast. Perfect for seafood lovers, it’s a restaurant-quality dish made effortlessly at home.

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Ingredients for Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

• 2 lbs crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Crab Legs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If the crab legs are frozen, thaw them by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a few minutes. Once thawed, use kitchen shears to carefully cut along the shell to expose some of the meat, making it easier to absorb the buttery sauce.

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Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.

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Step 3: Coat and Bake the Crab Legs

Place the crab legs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush them generously with the prepared butter sauce, making sure to coat them evenly. Reserve some of the sauce for serving. Cover the crab legs loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

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Step 4: Broil for Extra Flavor

For a slightly charred, golden finish, remove the foil and broil on high for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. This step enhances the flavor and gives the crab legs a delicious caramelized touch.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the crab legs to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining butter sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftover Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce, store them properly to maintain their freshness. Allow the crab legs to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, freeze the crab legs by sealing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, wrap the crab legs in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also steam them for a few minutes or microwave them in short bursts with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 1200mg

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen crab legs for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first by refrigerating overnight or running them under cold water before baking.

2. What type of crab legs work best?

Both king crab and snow crab legs are great choices. King crab has a meatier texture, while snow crab is slightly sweeter and easier to crack.

3. Can I grill instead of baking?

Absolutely! Brush the crab legs with butter sauce and grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until heated through.

4. How do I crack crab legs easily?

Use kitchen shears to cut along the shell, then gently pull the shell apart to access the meat.

5. What side dishes go well with baked crab legs?

Crab legs pair beautifully with garlic butter rice, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

6. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

7. What’s the best way to reheat crab legs without drying them out?

Reheat them wrapped in foil in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or steam them over boiling water for a few minutes.

8. Can I prepare the butter sauce in advance?

Yes! Store the sauce in the fridge for up to a week, and warm it up before using.

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