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Garlic Butter Crab Legs: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Description

These Garlic Butter Crab Legs are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The rich garlic butter sauce, infused with lemon and Old Bay seasoning, perfectly complements the sweet, tender crab meat.


Ingredients

900 g crab legs (king or snow crab), thawed if previously frozen

5 cloves garlic, minced

115 g unsalted butter

15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

5 g Old Bay seasoning (optional)

Salt, to taste

15 g fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Lemon wedges, for serving


Instructions

  1. Using kitchen shears, carefully snip along the crab shells to make them easier to open. Rinse the crab legs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant, but be careful not to brown the garlic. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 1 minute.
  3. Place the prepared crab legs into the skillet and spoon the hot garlic butter over the shells to ensure even coating. Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crab meat is heated through.
  4. Transfer the heated crab legs to a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with additional melted butter if desired.

Notes

For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.

Mix in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.

Leftover crab legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg