Why Make This Recipe
Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce are perfect for any seafood lover. This dish brings rich flavors together in a simple way. The buttery sauce, mixed with garlic and lemon, enhances the natural sweetness of the crab. It’s a straightforward recipe that impresses your guests without a lot of effort. Plus, it’s a delightful treat for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.
How to Make Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
- Crab legs
- Butter
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Creole seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice and Creole seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Place the crab legs in a baking dish and pour the butter sauce over them.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crab is heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.
How to Serve Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
Serve the crab legs straight from the oven for the best flavor. You can put them on a large platter with extra lemon wedges on the side. Pair them with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce. A glass of white wine can be a perfect drink to enjoy with this dish.
How to Store Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for 2-3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the crab tough and chewy.
Tips to Make Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
- Make sure to use fresh crab legs for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and Creole seasoning to fit your taste.
- For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter sauce.
- If you prefer, you can boil the crab legs first, then bake them to enhance their flavor.
Variation
You can add different herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the butter sauce for a fresh twist. Another option is to use different seasonings like Old Bay seasoning instead of Creole to create a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab legs?
Yes, you can use frozen crab legs. Just thaw them before baking for the best results.
How can I tell when crab legs are done?
They are done when the crab meat is heated through and the shells are hot to the touch.
What should I serve with baked crab legs?
Some great sides include a simple salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A rich and flavorful dish featuring baked crab legs in a garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- Crab legs
- Butter
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Creole seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice and Creole seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Place the crab legs in a baking dish and pour the butter sauce over them.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crab is heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh crab legs. Adjust garlic and seasoning to fit your taste, and consider adding fresh herbs or different seasonings for variation.