Introduction
Do you love seafood? If yes, then you will really enjoy this Quick Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce recipe! Crab legs are juicy, tasty, and fun to eat. And when you add melted butter and a few simple seasonings, they become even more delicious. This recipe is great for dinner at home with family.
It’s also perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or just a fun weekend meal. The best part? It’s super quick and easy to make. You don’t need to be a chef to bake crab legs! In this guide, we will show you how to make baked crab legs with buttery sauce step-by-step. So get ready to cook something yummy!
Ingredients – Baked Crab Legs
Before we start cooking, let’s take a look at what you need. These are simple ingredients you can find in most grocery stores.
Ingredients for the Crab Legs:
- 2 pounds of crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
Ingredients for the Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or chopped small)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step by Step Process – Baked Crab Legs
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help your crab legs bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Legs
- If the crab legs are frozen, make sure to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes.
- Once thawed, place the crab legs on a baking sheet or a large baking dish. Use a brush to lightly coat them with olive oil or melted butter.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
- In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, until the garlic smells good (don’t let it burn).
- Now, add lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Crab Legs
- Carefully pour the butter sauce over the crab legs. Try to coat them well so they soak in all the flavor.
- If you want, you can save a little sauce on the side for dipping later!
Step 5: Cover and Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes.
- If you like the crab legs to be a little crispy, you can remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Take the crab legs out of the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you like. Serve them with lemon wedges and any extra butter sauce for dipping.
- That’s it! Your delicious baked crab legs in butter sauce are ready to eat.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 calories |
| Protein | 32 grams |
| Total Fat | 28 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 14 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
| Cholesterol | 150 mg |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin C | 6% Daily Value |
| Calcium | 10% Daily Value |
| Iron | 8% Daily Value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen crab legs?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them before baking. You can place them in the fridge overnight or soak them in cold water.
Q2: What kind of crab legs should I use?
You can use king crab legs (they’re large and meaty) or snow crab legs (a bit smaller but still tasty). Both work well.
Q3: Can I make the butter sauce spicy?
Yes! If you like spicy food, just add a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the butter sauce.
Q4: How do I eat crab legs?
Use kitchen scissors or a crab cracker to gently open the shell. Then pull out the meat with a fork or your fingers. Dip in butter sauce and enjoy!
Q5: What can I serve with crab legs?
Crab legs go great with:
- Steamed veggies
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Garlic bread
- Rice or pasta
Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best to eat crab legs fresh, but you can make the butter sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it before serving.
Final Thoughts
Making Quick Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a fancy, flavorful seafood meal at home. This dish is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.
So next time you’re in the mood for something delicious, try this crab leg recipe. Don’t forget to serve it with lemon wedges and extra butter sauce for dipping. Enjoy your meal — and happy cooking!
