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Garlic Butter Crab Legs Recipe Easy Homemade Seafood with Lemon Wedges

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This garlic butter crab legs recipe combines simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon wedges to create a decadent and comforting seafood dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) frozen crab legs (king or snow, pre-cooked)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 2 large lemons, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Water (for steaming)

Instructions

  1. Thaw the crab legs overnight in the refrigerator or run under cold water for 15 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley if using.
  6. In a large pot, add about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  7. Place a steamer basket or colander inside the pot, making sure it doesn’t touch the water.
  8. Add the crab legs to the basket, cover with a lid, and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and aromatic.
  9. Check that the crab legs are hot and shells have turned bright orange-red.
  10. Transfer the crab legs to a large serving platter.
  11. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the crab legs or serve it on the side for dipping.
  12. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges.
  13. Use kitchen shears or a seafood cracker to carefully open the shells and enjoy.

Notes

Be careful not to burn the garlic in the butter; cook gently on low heat. Do not over-steam the crab legs as they are pre-cooked and only need warming. Use fresh lemons for best flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently by steaming or warming in a covered skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter crab legs, seafood recipe, easy crab legs, lemon crab legs, garlic butter sauce, quick seafood dinner