Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce

Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce 

Ingredients

For the Crab:

• 2–3 lbs snow crab or king crab legs
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Butter Sauce:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Crab Legs

• Place crab legs in a baking dish.
• If needed, gently run kitchen shears down the shell (top side) to help with cracking and absorbing the sauce.

3. Make the Butter Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t burn).
3. Stir in lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Remove from heat.

4. Bake

• Pour half the butter sauce over the crab legs.
• Cover dish tightly with foil.
• Bake 15–20 minutes until heated through.

5. Finish & Serve

• Drizzle the remaining butter sauce on top.
• Garnish with parsley & lemon wedges.
• Serve with extra melted butter and lemon slices.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread
Steamed rice
Fresh green salad
Lemon-butter pasta

Tips for Best Flavor

Don’t overcook — crab legs are already cooked, you’re just reheating!
Brush some sauce inside split shells for maximum flavor.