Garlic Butter Crab Legs

Here’s a Garlic Butter Crab Legs recipe that’s easy, indulgent, and perfect for a special dinner or seafood night:

🦀 Garlic Butter Crab Legs Recipe

🧂 Ingredients:

• 2 lbs crab legs (king crab or snow crab)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Lemon wedges, for serving

🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the Crab Legs:

   • If frozen, thaw the crab legs in the refrigerator or under cold running water.

   • Use kitchen shears or a crab cracker to slightly crack the shells, which helps the flavor seep in and makes eating easier.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant (do not brown).

   • Stir in lemon juice, zest (if using), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

   • Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.

3. Cook the Crab Legs:

   • Add the crab legs to the skillet (cut into smaller sections if needed to fit).

   • Spoon the garlic butter over the crab, cover, and let steam for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally to coat well.

4. Finish and Serve:

   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

   • Serve hot with extra lemon wedges and remaining garlic butter sauce for dipping.

🔪 Tips:

• You can bake the crab legs instead: place in a baking dish, pour garlic butter over, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

• Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter for extra richness.

• Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.