Name: Garlic Butter Crab Legs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 2 pounds of snow crab legs or king crab legs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional); Salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper

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Succulent crab legs drenched in rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce, perfect for a special dinner or seafood lover’s treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Crab Legs are an effortless yet indulgent seafood dish that highlights the natural sweetness of crab with a luscious, aromatic garlic butter sauce. The combination of fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs perfectly complements the tender crab meat, making this recipe ideal for celebrations, date nights, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. Quick to prepare, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

2 pounds of snow crab legs or king crab legs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Crab Legs

If using frozen crab legs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut along the top of the crab shells to make them easier to access.

Cook the Crab Legs

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the crab legs and cook for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Drain and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional minute.

Serve

Arrange crab legs on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with garlic butter sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Variations

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a spicy kick.
Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a citrus twist.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for depth of flavor.
Include melted parmesan cheese in the butter for a cheesy garlic sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover crab legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently by steaming or warming in a covered pan with a bit of the garlic butter sauce to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked crab legs?

Yes, this recipe works best with pre-cooked crab legs; simply heat them through.

How do I easily remove crab meat?

Use seafood crackers or kitchen shears to cut through shells and extract the meat.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

Use a blend of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne as a substitute.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, prepare and store the garlic butter sauce in the refrigerator; reheat gently before serving.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, crab and butter are both keto-friendly ingredients.

Can I grill the crab legs instead of boiling?

Yes, grilling adds smoky flavor—brush with garlic butter while grilling.

How long should I thaw frozen crab legs?

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for about 30 minutes.

Are crab legs high in protein?

Yes, crab meat is a lean, high-protein seafood option.

Can I freeze leftover crab legs?

Yes, but texture may change; consume within 1–2 months for best quality.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Crab Legs offer a luxurious seafood experience with minimal effort. The rich, garlicky butter enhances the naturally sweet crab meat, making it an impressive yet simple dish. Perfect for special dinners or indulgent seafood nights, this recipe is sure to delight all seafood lovers.

Garlic Butter Crab Legs

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Succulent crab legs drenched in rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce, perfect for a special dinner or seafood lover’s treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 pounds of snow crab legs or king crab legs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

If using frozen crab legs, thaw overnight in refrigerator or under cold running water.
Cut along the top of crab shells with kitchen scissors or sharp knife for easier access.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add crab legs and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Drain and set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1 minute.
Arrange crab legs on a plate and drizzle generously with garlic butter sauce.
Garnish with additional parsley and serve with lemon wedges.