Garlic Butter Crab Legs (Oven-Baked or Steamed)

This dish features sweet, tender crab legs coated in rich garlic butter with fresh herbs and lemon. Simple, luxurious, and perfect for seafood lovers.

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🦀 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Crab legs

• 1–1.2 kg (2–2.5 lb) crab legs (king crab or snow crab, pre-cooked)

• ½ tsp salt (optional)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Garlic butter sauce

• 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter

• 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp fresh thyme or oregano (optional)

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• Lemon slices, for serving

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🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the crab legs

• If frozen, thaw crab legs completely in the refrigerator.

• Use kitchen scissors to cut along the shell for easier eating.

• Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

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2. Make the garlic butter

• Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

• Add minced garlic and cook 30–40 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

• Remove from heat and stir in parsley, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

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3. Bake the crab legs

• Arrange crab legs in a baking dish.

• Brush generously with garlic butter.

• Cover loosely with foil.

• Bake for 12–15 minutes until heated through.

• Uncover for the last 2–3 minutes if you want slightly caramelized edges.

(Optional: You can also steam crab legs for 5–6 minutes, then brush with garlic butter before serving.)

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4. Serve

• Transfer crab legs to a serving platter.

• Spoon remaining garlic butter over the top.

• Garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the butter

• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables

• Enjoy with melted butter on the side for dipping

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💡 Pro Tips

• Do not overcook—crab legs are already cooked and only need reheating.

• Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.

• Use clarified butter for an even richer flavor.

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🌿 Flavor Profile

• Sweet and delicate crab meat

• Rich, aromatic garlic butter

• Bright citrus finish