Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs recipe offers a decadent and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent crab legs coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal, this dish delivers rich, buttery, garlicky goodness in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 2 lbs crab legs
Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the crab legs evenly.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Arrange Crab Legs: Place the crab legs evenly in a baking dish ensuring they lie flat for consistent heat exposure.
- Apply Sauce: Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the crab legs, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top, followed by salt, pepper, and the chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
- Bake: Bake the crab legs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are heated through and the butter mixture is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, citrusy complement.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook crab legs as they are usually pre-cooked; the goal is to heat them through and melt the butter.
- Using fresh garlic and lemon juice significantly enhances the flavor of the butter sauce.
- Parmesan cheese adds a subtle nutty flavor and a slightly crispy texture when baked.
- Serve with crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover crab can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
