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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the crab legs, allowing them to heat through without drying out.
2. Prepare the Crab Legs
If your crab legs are frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator for several hours or using a cold water bath to speed up the process. Once thawed, place the crab legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut small slits along the length of the legs to help the butter soak into the meat.
3. Make the Butter Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove the pan from heat.
4. Coat the Crab Legs
Pour the warm butter sauce over the crab legs, making sure to coat them evenly. If necessary, use a spoon to drizzle the sauce into the cuts of the crab legs for maximum flavor. If you like, you can reserve a small amount of butter sauce to drizzle over the crab legs when serving.
5. Bake the Crab Legs
Place the baking sheet with the crab legs into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through and slightly crispy at the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, as crab legs cook quickly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the crab legs from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. For extra flavor, drizzle the reserved butter sauce over the top before serving.
Tips for Perfect Baked Crab Legs
- Use fresh crab legs if possible. Fresh crab legs often have a more delicate flavor compared to frozen ones. If you’re using frozen crab legs, make sure they’re fully thawed before baking to avoid uneven cooking.
- Adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes. You can add more or less paprika and red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.
- Serve with sides like a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread to complete the meal.
- Use a crab cracker to easily break open the legs and enjoy the tender meat inside!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s full of flavor and incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just getting into cooking crab, this dish is a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of crab with a rich, buttery twist.
The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a flavorful sauce that complements the crab without overpowering it. Plus, it’s an elegant and easy meal to prepare for any occasion, from cozy dinners to special celebrations.
So, grab your crab legs and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress!
Final Thoughts
Baked crab legs in butter sauce are an ideal way to enjoy seafood at home without complicated preparation. The simplicity of the ingredients and cooking process allows the crab’s natural flavor to shine, while the butter sauce adds the perfect balance of richness and zest. Serve with a side of your favorite sides, and you’ve got a satisfying, delectable meal that’s sure to leave everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
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