Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

🦀 Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs crab legs (king crab or snow crab)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning, optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prep the Crab Legs:
   • If frozen, thaw the crab legs in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
   • Use kitchen shears or a crab cracker to slightly open the shells (optional but helps the butter soak in).
3. Make the Butter Sauce:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in lemon juice, Old Bay (or Cajun), paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
   • Remove from heat once combined and aromatic.
4. Assemble for Baking:
   • Place crab legs in a baking dish or on a foil-lined sheet pan.
   • Pour the butter sauce generously over the crab legs.
   • Cover tightly with foil to keep the moisture in.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, until heated through and flavorful.
   • Optional: For a slight char, uncover and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges and extra melted butter on the side for dipping.
   • Pair with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or corn on the cob.

🔥 Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a bit of Worcestershire sauce to the butter mix.
• You can also use this butter sauce for shrimp, lobster tails, or mussels.