Name: Garlic Butter Crab Legs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds crab legs (king or snow), thawed if frozen; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Lemon wedges, for serving

Garlic Butter Crab Legs are a decadent and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The sweet, tender crab meat is complemented by a rich and savory garlic butter sauce, with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Garlic Butter Crab Legs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the indulgent flavor of crab with the irresistible richness of garlic butter. The recipe is straightforward, takes minimal prep time, and delivers incredible taste. The tender crab meat, coated in a garlicky butter sauce with a touch of citrus, is a true treat for your taste buds. It’s a perfect balance of buttery richness, garlic fragrance, and bright lemon zest, making this dish a standout at any dinner table.

Ingredients

2 pounds crab legs (king or snow), thawed if frozen
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare crab legs: If frozen, thaw the crab legs in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for about 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Arrange crab legs: Place the crab legs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Make garlic butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown). Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Brush crab legs: Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat each crab leg with the garlic butter mixture. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the mixture for serving.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crab legs are heated through and fragrant.
Broil (optional): For a lightly charred finish, broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
Finish and serve: Remove from the oven. Brush the crab legs again with the reserved garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy twist.
Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in additional herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil for a fresh herby note.
Grilled Version: Instead of baking, grill the crab legs on medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover garlic butter crab legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place crab legs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, though they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

How do I know when my crab legs are done?

Crab legs are fully cooked when they are heated through, and the meat is opaque. If you’re unsure, you can break one open and check that the flesh is white and tender.

Can I use frozen crab legs for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw the crab legs before cooking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for about 10 minutes.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but butter provides the best flavor and richness for this dish.

How can I make the garlic butter more flavorful?

You can add extra garlic, fresh herbs, or a dash of white wine to the butter mixture for an added depth of flavor.

What’s the best way to crack open crab legs?

Use a seafood cracker or the back of a spoon to gently crack the hard shell, being careful not to crush the meat inside.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week. Heat it up before using it on the crab legs.

Can I use other types of crab legs?

Yes, snow crab legs are also a great option. King crab legs tend to be larger and more flavorful, but snow crab legs are sweeter and more delicate.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this garlic butter crab leg recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the oven?

Yes, you can sauté the crab legs in a pan over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until heated through.

How can I add more lemon flavor to the crab legs?

You can increase the lemon zest or add more lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a stronger citrus kick.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Crab Legs are a simple yet luxurious dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your seafood cravings. The rich, garlicky butter sauce and fresh citrus perfectly enhance the sweetness of the crab meat, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.