Description
Elevate your seafood dining experience with these Garlic Butter King Crab Legs. The rich, creamy butter infused with aromatic garlic perfectly complements the sweet, tender crab meat. Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs king crab legs (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crab Legs:
- Thaw frozen crab legs by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for a quicker option.
- Rinse the crab legs to remove any residual brine.
- Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut small slits in the shell to allow the garlic butter to penetrate the meat.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low to keep the sauce warm.
- Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
- Cook the Crab Legs:
- Steaming Method: Place the crab legs in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Boiling Method: Submerge the crab legs in a large pot of boiling salted water for 4-5 minutes.
- Avoid overcooking to ensure the crab meat remains tender and juicy.
- Combine and Serve:
- Remove the crab legs and place them on a large serving platter.
- Generously brush the garlic butter sauce over the crab legs, ensuring the flavors seep into the slits.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- ro Tip: To prevent overcooking, stick to the recommended cooking times and use a timer.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a little butter to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 servings
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 45g
Keywords: Garlic butter king crab legs recipe, How to cook king crab legs, Seafood recipes with garlic butter, Easy king crab legs recipe, Steamed king crab legs