Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

Ingredients

1 lb (453.59g) king crab legs

4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter , melted

3 cloves garlic , minced (about 1 tablespoon garlic)

1-2 teaspoons (4g-8g) Creole seasoning

½ tablespoon (7.5ml) lemon juice

1 tablespoon (3g) chopped chives or parsley

lemon wedges to serve

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.

When ready to cook, cut the crab legs into half so the flesh of the crab is visible.

Skip the knife and use kitchen shears or scissors to do so.

You’ll thank me later.

Place crab legs in an oven-safe pan or on a baking sheet.

Add butter, garlic, Creole seasoning in a small bowl.

Microwave for about a minute.

Step 2:

Remove and add lemon juice.

Mix well.Brush crab with butter mixture all over the crab legs – reserve any excess for serving.

Place the crab legs in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through.

Sprinkle with parsley or chives.

Serve immediately with the remaining sauce and/or lemon wedges for squeezing over meat.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of crab legs for this recipe?

While this recipe specifies king crab legs, you can use other crab leg varieties like snow crab or Dungeness crab if you prefer.

Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as different types of crab legs may vary in size and thickness.

What is Creole seasoning, and can I substitute it with something else?

Creole seasoning is a flavorful spice blend typically used in Cajun and Creole cuisine.

If you don’t have Creole seasoning, you can make your own by combining spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.

Adjust the quantities to your taste or use a Cajun seasoning mix as a substitute.

Do I need to thaw the crab legs before baking?

Yes, it’s best to thaw the crab legs before baking them.

Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for the best results.

Thawing ensures even cooking and helps prevent the crab legs from becoming too watery during baking.

Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter?

While unsalted butter is recommended for a rich and flavorful sauce, you can use margarine as a substitute if necessary.

However, keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, and margarine may contain added salt, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.

What are some side dishes that pair well with baked crab legs?

Baked crab legs go well with various side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, a simple salad, rice pilaf, or garlic bread.

You can also serve them with additional lemon wedges and a dipping sauce of your choice, like melted butter with garlic and herbs or a classic cocktail sauce.

What is Creole seasoning, and where can I find it?

Creole seasoning is a flavorful spice blend commonly used in Southern and Cajun cuisine.

You can find it in the spice section of most grocery stores.

If unavailable, you can make your own by combining spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.

Can I use frozen crab legs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen crab legs, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking.

Thawing ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption of the butter sauce.

What’s the best way to cut crab legs into halves?

Using kitchen shears or scissors is a convenient way to cut crab legs into halves.

Simply place the crab leg on a cutting board, locate the joint between the segments, and snip through it.

Be cautious while handling sharp kitchen shears.

Can I use other types of seafood with this butter sauce?

Absolutely! The garlic butter sauce in this recipe pairs well with various seafood options, such as shrimp, lobster, or even fish fillets.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type and size of seafood you choose.

What can I serve as side dishes with baked crab legs?

Baked crab legs go nicely with a variety of side dishes.

Consider serving them with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Lemon wedges and additional herbs can also enhance the flavors.