Garlic Butter King Crab Legs

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Garlic Butter King Crab Legs are a luxurious yet surprisingly easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of the sea right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself to something delightful. With rich garlic butter and a hint of zesty lemon, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter King Crab Legs

King crab legs are the star of the show, bringing sweet, succulent meat that’s the hallmark of high-end seafood dishes. Unsalted butter is used to create a rich and creamy base for the garlic sauce. Garlic adds depth and aromatics, elevating the flavor profile. A touch of lemon juice brightens everything up, cutting through the richness. Fresh parsley offers a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. Lastly, salt and black pepper come in to season and enhance the overall flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use kitchen shears to cut open the crab legs for easier access to the meat.
  • To enhance the flavor, let the crab legs marinate in the garlic butter for 15 minutes before baking.
  • If you can’t find king crab legs, snow crab legs are a great alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Serve the crab legs with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover garlic butter. A simple green salad or steamed asparagus can add a fresh contrast to the richness of the crab.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent it from becoming too salty.
How do I know when the crab legs are done?
The crab legs should be hot to the touch and the meat should be opaque and tender.
Can I grill the crab legs instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, brushing with the garlic butter as they cook.

Garlic Butter King Crab Legs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it’s ready to go once the crab legs are prepared. While the oven is warming up, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute or two until it becomes fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t resist leaning over the pot for a deep whiff.

Next, stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything well. Arrange the king crab legs on a baking sheet, ideally in a single layer, so they heat evenly. Brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture you just prepared, making sure each leg is well-coated.

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the crab legs to be heated through, but not overcooked, which can cause them to dry out. Once done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley right before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare but feels like a gourmet meal.
  • Perfect balance of buttery, garlicky goodness with a fresh lemon zing.
  • Minimal ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
  • A show-stopping dish for any dinner party or romantic evening.

Ingredients

2 pounds king crab legs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
4. Arrange crab legs on a baking sheet and brush with garlic butter mixture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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