If you love the taste of fresh seafood paired with rich, buttery goodness, then this Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner idea. Succulent king crab legs are bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, elevated by a hint of lemon and a touch of smoky paprika, then baked to perfection. Every bite bursts with flavor and feels indulgent without any fuss in the kitchen. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just craving something extraordinary, this recipe delivers pure comfort and elegance right from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish. The crab legs provide tender, flavorful meat, while the butter and garlic create a luscious sauce that’s hard to resist. The seasoning and fresh parsley add depth and freshness, making this dish visually inviting and absolutely delicious.
- 2 pounds king crab legs: The star of the dish, thawed if frozen to ensure even cooking and rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates the luscious base for the sauce, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an irresistible aroma and punch of flavor that elevates the butter sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a refreshing citrus note that balances richness.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning that adds a perfect blend of spices with a hint of heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and round out the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds color and a mild herbal touch.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for squeezing over the crab legs to intensify the bright citrus flavor.
How to Make Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Crab Legs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the thawed crab legs in a single layer on a large baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to coat them with the buttery sauce later. If you prefer, crack the crab legs slightly with kitchen shears to allow the sauce to soak in even more deeply.
Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This sauce is the heart of the Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce Recipe, marrying rich, savory, and tangy flavors into one heavenly blend. For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a splash of white wine to the mixture.
Step 3: Coat and Cover
Pour the butter sauce evenly over the crab legs, making sure each piece is well coated with that garlicky, buttery goodness. Then cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step traps the steam, helping the crab legs heat through perfectly while keeping them moist and tender.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the crab legs for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the butter sauce is bubbling and the crab legs are heated thoroughly. The warmth causes the butter to infuse into the meat, making each bite irresistibly rich and flavorful.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove the foil and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the crab legs for a burst of color and freshness. Serve them hot, spooning extra butter sauce over the top and providing lemon wedges on the side for those who love an extra tangy kick.
How to Serve Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes bring this dish to life! Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lively green contrast against the golden crab legs. Lemon wedges are essential for squeezing bright citrus over the richness, enhancing the flavors beautifully. If you feel adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat.
Side Dishes
Since this Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce Recipe is rich and flavorful, it pairs perfectly with light and complementary sides. Think crusty artisan bread to soak up every last bit of that incredible garlic butter sauce or a fluffy bed of steamed white rice that lets the crab shine. A crisp green salad or roasted asparagus offers a refreshing texture contrast to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your crab legs on a large platter lined with lemon halves and fresh herbs creates a stunning centerpiece. You can also serve them in individual bowls drizzled with sauce and a sprinkle of paprika for a cozy, casual feel. For a bit of fun, try adding edible flowers on the side or incorporating the crab meat into buttery crostini for an impressive appetizer option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked crab legs keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to pour the leftover butter sauce over the crab before sealing so the flavors continue to infuse. When stored properly, the crab remains tender and delicious.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze leftover crab legs with butter sauce for up to one month. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring you include as much sauce as possible to protect the meat. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a low oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to prevent drying, until warmed through. Alternatively, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, spooning extra butter sauce from the fridge to keep each bite luscious and moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab legs directly without thawing?
For the best texture and even heating, it’s recommended to thaw frozen crab legs before baking. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or run them under cold water if short on time. Baking them frozen may result in uneven cooking and a less tender bite.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce Recipe has a gentle warmth from the Old Bay seasoning and smoked paprika but is not spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the butter sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before pouring it over the crab legs to bake.
What’s the best way to crack crab legs?
Use kitchen shears or a crab cracker to gently crack the shells before baking. This allows the butter sauce to penetrate the meat more deeply and makes eating easier and more enjoyable.
Can I substitute other types of crab legs?
Yes, you can use snow crab legs or Dungeness crab legs instead of king crab. Adjust the baking time slightly if the legs are smaller or thinner to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a meal that feels both special and comforting. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough for entertaining friends and family. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself hooked on this buttery, garlicky seafood delight that tastes like a little bit of coastal sunshine on your plate.
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: Pescatarian
Description
Delicious baked king crab legs smothered in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce with lemon and Old Bay seasoning, perfect for an easy and elegant seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 pounds king crab legs, thawed if frozen
Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crab legs evenly.
- Arrange Crab Legs: Place the thawed king crab legs in a single layer in a large baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet for even heat distribution.
- Prepare Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Crab Legs: Pour the prepared butter mixture evenly over the crab legs, ensuring each leg is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake the crab legs for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through and the butter sauce bubbles.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, carefully uncover, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra butter sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Crack the crab legs slightly before baking to allow the butter sauce to penetrate deeper for enhanced flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
