If you’re looking to impress guests or spoil yourself with a restaurant-worthy seafood experience at home, Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is about to become your new go-to. This dish features juicy, sweet crab legs baked in a golden, garlicky butter sauce that’s spiked with lemon, herbs, and just the right kick of seasoning. It’s quick enough for a weeknight treat but feels incredibly special, capturing the essence of coastal comfort with every buttery, flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is how the ingredients are both simple and purposeful—each adds a layer of flavor or elegance without overpowering the delicate crab. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make each one shine.
- Crab Legs (2 pounds, king or snow crab): These are the hearty stars of your dish; thaw them fully if frozen for the best tender texture.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): The base of our luscious sauce, butter brings rich flavor and silky texture—don’t skimp!
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with a savory aromatic depth that turns ordinary seafood into something craveable.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness that cuts through the richness and highlights the crab’s natural sweetness.
- Old Bay Seasoning (1 teaspoon) or Cajun seasoning: Gives the sauce a classic, subtly spiced kick; use Cajun for more heat.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle heat in their seafood.
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors—taste before adding as crab can be naturally salty.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Lends freshness and a pop of green right at the end.
- Lemon Wedges, for serving: Essential for squeezing over just before eating, balancing every buttery bite.
How to Make Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the magic. Arrange your thawed crab legs in a single layer on a large baking sheet or shallow baking dish—the more room they have, the better they’ll absorb the sauce. This is a great time to give the legs a gentle crack with the back of a spoon, which lets all the buttery flavors seep deep inside.
Step 2: Whip Up the Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning, and (if you like a little fire) the crushed red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your liking. This sauce is the heart of Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce, so make sure to blend it well for the most even flavor.
Step 3: Drench the Crab Legs
Pour the luscious butter sauce all over the crab legs, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Use a spoon or brush to spread it evenly, so every piece gets its share of garlic, spice, and citrus. The aroma already will have your kitchen smelling like a coastal getaway!
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking sheet or dish tightly with aluminum foil—this step traps the heat and moisture, which helps the crab legs warm gently and lets all those flavors infuse. Slide them into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re heated through and irresistible.
Step 5: Add a Fresh Finish
Once your Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce are bubbling and golden, remove them from the oven and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley. The green flecks look beautiful against the pink and white shells. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and all the buttery sauce from the pan as heavenly dipping fuel.
How to Serve Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
Garnishes
For a restaurant-style finish, always sprinkle extra chopped parsley over the top and add plenty of lemon wedges on the side. A final crack of fresh black pepper right before serving makes everything pop and accentuates the butter sauce.
Side Dishes
Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce go perfectly with simple sides that let the main event shine. Crusty bread or baguette is a classic choice for sopping up the garlicky butter. Steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or grilled asparagus are also perfect complements that soak up the sauce without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, stack the crab legs in a vibrant pile on a large platter and pour the butter sauce tableside for extra flair. For a hands-on experience, consider serving them family style with crab crackers and plenty of napkins, so everyone can dive in. Or, split the legs open before baking for an extra-luxe presentation where all that luscious sauce is visible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. The buttery sauce may solidify, but that just means the flavor will stick even more to the crab when reheated. Use within 2 days for peak taste and texture.
Freezing
While crab legs themselves freeze well, I recommend freezing the cooked crab without any excess sauce for best results. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add fresh butter sauce after warming for maximum flavor.
Reheating
To bring your baked crab legs back to life, place them in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra butter sauce, and cover with foil. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crab rubbery. Serve with fresh lemon and a drizzle of new melted butter if you’re feeling extra fancy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab legs for Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking so the butter sauce absorbs beautifully and everything heats evenly.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
No problem—Cajun seasoning makes a tasty substitute, or mix your own blend with a little paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.
How do I crack crab legs without making a mess?
The best way is to use a seafood cracker or the back of a heavy spoon; be gentle so you don’t shatter the shell completely. Pre-cracking before baking also helps the flavors soak in.
Can I add other seafood to the dish?
Absolutely! Shrimp or scallops tossed in the butter sauce and baked alongside the crab would turn Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce into a full-blown seafood feast.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes, use spicy Cajun seasoning, or finish with a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce after baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a taste of the coast without leaving home, Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is an absolute winner. With its easy prep, show-stopping flavor, and pure buttery decadence, this is a recipe that brings the wow-factor to any dinner table. Gather your favorite people, roll up your sleeves, and dig in—you’re about to create seafood memories worth savoring.
Print
Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of succulent crab legs baked to perfection in a luscious butter sauce. This easy-to-make dish is bursting with garlic, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for your next seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Crab Legs:
- 2 pounds crab legs (king or snow crab), thawed if frozen
Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Crab Legs: Arrange the crab legs in a single layer on a large baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish.
- Make Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Crab Legs: Pour the butter sauce over the crab legs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Final Touches: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Crack the crab legs slightly before baking for easier eating.
- Pair with crusty bread or steamed rice to enjoy the extra sauce.
- For a different flavor, grill or broil the crab legs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ½ pound crab legs with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
