Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven will help ensure the crab legs cook evenly and the butter sauce melds beautifully with the seafood.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
2. Add minced garlic: Once the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3. Incorporate lemon juice and seasoning: Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Arrange the Crab Legs

1. Place the thawed crab legs on a large baking sheet. If using king crab legs, you may want to cut them in half to fit better on the sheet and ensure even cooking.
2. Drizzle or brush half of the butter sauce over the crab legs, making sure to coat them well.

Step 4: Bake the Crab Legs

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through and fragrant.
2. Baste halfway: Halfway through baking, carefully baste the crab legs with the remaining butter sauce for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from oven: Once baked, remove the crab legs from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Garnish: Drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the crab legs and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
3. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Freshness matters: For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality frozen crab legs. If using frozen crab, ensure they are fully thawed before baking.
• Adjust the garlic: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. You can also add minced shallots for a different flavor profile.
• Cooking time: Keep an eye on the crab legs while they bake; they don’t need long since they are already cooked.

Pairing Suggestions:

Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with:

• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover butter sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add a nice touch of color and nutrition.
• Rice or quinoa: A bed of fluffy rice or quinoa can help absorb the flavorful butter sauce.

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Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce is a seafood dish that is both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. With its rich flavors and impressive presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion, from a fancy dinner party to a relaxed weekend feast. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and indulge in this delightful seafood treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!