Description
Delight in succulent baked crab legs bathed in a rich, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne. This easy-to-make seafood dish brings restaurant-quality taste right to your table in under 30 minutes, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 2 lbs king crab legs (or snow crab legs)
Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare crab legs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using frozen crab legs, thaw them completely and then cut the shells slightly to expose the meat for better flavor absorption.
- Make the butter sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the butter sauce from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Arrange crab legs: Place the crab legs in a baking dish in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Brush them generously with the prepared butter sauce, making sure to coat every exposed area.
- Bake the crab legs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. Halfway through baking, baste the crab legs once more with the remaining butter sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the crab legs from the oven, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- Ensure crab legs are fully thawed if frozen before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Cutting the shells helps the butter sauce penetrate, enhancing flavor.
- Cayenne pepper is optional; adjust amount based on spice preference.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
