If you love seafood that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant, this Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine succulent king crab legs bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with bright lemon highlights and fresh parsley — all baked to perfection in less than half an hour. It’s a simple dish that feels luxurious and tastes absolutely unforgettable, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy gourmet night in. Once you try this, you’ll see just how easy it is to create restaurant-quality crab legs right in your oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor. Each one plays a key role in complementing the sweet crab meat with buttery richness and a zesty punch.
- 2 pounds king crab legs (thawed if frozen): The star of the show, offering tender, flavorful meat that cooks quickly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides a rich and silky base to carry the garlic and seasonings.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant, aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with refreshing acidity that balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Gives a concentrated citrus flavor and lovely aroma.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and subtle herbal notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional): Classic seafood seasoning for a little extra depth and spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple essentials that enhance all other flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: For a final fresh squeeze just before eating.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using kitchen shears, carefully cut along the top of each crab leg shell to expose the succulent meat inside—this makes it easier for the garlic butter to seep in and for you to enjoy every bite. Arrange the crab legs in a single layer on a baking sheet, so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning if using, plus salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is where all those savory and bright flavors blend perfectly to elevate the crab legs from delicious to out-of-this-world delicious.
Step 3: Bake the Crab Legs
Generously spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture over the crab legs, making sure every piece gets a good coating. Cover the baking sheet tightly with foil to keep the moisture in, then pop it into the oven to bake for about 15 minutes, until the crab is heated through and infused with all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Add a Golden Finish
If you want a beautiful, lightly golden finish, uncover the crab legs and switch your oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—this step gives a subtle crispness and caramelization that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your crab legs with extra lemon wedges and a drizzle of any reserved garlic butter sauce. The fresh lemon juice brings brightness, while the buttery sauce ensures each bite stays juicy and flavorful. A sprinkle of additional chopped parsley adds a fresh, garden-like touch that brightens the plate and your palate.
Side Dishes
Complement this rich and buttery crab feast with simple sides like steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. Crusty bread is also fantastic to mop up every last drop of that garlicky butter goodness. These sides balance the meal by adding texture and freshness without overpowering the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the crab legs on a bed of crushed ice or layered atop a platter lined with fresh greens and lemon slices. Presenting this way invites sharing and gives a touch of restaurant elegance to your meal. You could even place small bowls of extra garlic butter nearby for dipping, creating an inviting display that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and trust me, that’s rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Crab legs will keep well for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy a quick seafood boost later without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
Freezing cooked crab legs is possible, but not always recommended as the texture can change slightly. If you do freeze them, tightly wrap the crab legs in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag and consume within two months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the crab legs in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. You can baste them with additional garlic butter to keep them moist and delicious. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab legs for this Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator or under cold running water before baking. Thawed crab legs cook more evenly and absorb the garlic butter flavors better.
What if I don’t have king crab legs? Can I use other kinds?
Yes, snow crab legs or even Dungeness crab legs work wonderfully. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly—snow crab usually takes a few minutes less to bake.
Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?
No, Old Bay is optional but highly recommended if you have it. It adds a traditional seafood spice blend that enhances the overall flavor, making the dish even more special.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it gently before spooning over the crab legs to ensure it melts perfectly.
How do I handle the crab legs when eating?
Use kitchen scissors or crab crackers to help crack the shells and access the sweet meat inside. The pre-cut shell from step one makes this much easier. Serve with lemon wedges and plenty of napkins for a fun and messy seafood experience.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs Recipe strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence, turning a handful of ingredients into a memorable meal. Whether it’s a special occasion or a treat-yourself kind of night, these crab legs bring so much joy and flavor to the table with very little fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that buttery, garlicky magic for yourself. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Delicious and easy Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs featuring tender king crab legs smothered in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with lemon and fresh parsley, baked to perfection for an impressive seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Crab Legs
- 2 pounds king crab legs (thawed if frozen)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the crab legs evenly.
- Prepare Crab Legs: Use kitchen shears to carefully cut along the top of each crab leg shell, exposing the tender crab meat inside for better seasoning absorption.
- Arrange Crab Legs: Lay the crab legs in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Apply Sauce: Generously spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture over the exposed crab meat on each leg to infuse rich flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through.
- Broil to Finish: Uncover the baking sheet and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes if you desire a lightly golden, slightly crispy finish on the garlic butter coating.
- Serve: Serve the crab legs immediately with extra garlic butter sauce and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- If king crab legs are unavailable, substitute with snow crab legs and reduce the baking time by 3–5 minutes.
- Make extra garlic butter for dipping alongside the crab legs for enhanced flavor.
- Pair the dish with crusty bread or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.
