Oven Baked Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce

Oven Baked Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce

These Oven Baked Crab Legs are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, perfectly complemented by a rich and savory Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce. The baking method is easy, keeping all the natural juices intact, and the garlic butter adds an indulgent touch.

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Ingredients

(Serves 2-4)

For the Crab Legs:

• 2-3 pounds snow crab legs or king crab legs (defrosted if frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1 lemon, halved

For the Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Crab Legs

• Place the crab legs on a large baking sheet. If the legs are too long for the sheet, you can cut them in half.
• Drizzle the crab legs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
• Squeeze the lemon halves over the crab legs, then place the lemon halves in the baking sheet.
• Cover the crab legs with aluminum foil to keep them moist while baking.

3. Bake the Crab Legs

• Bake the crab legs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes if they are pre-cooked (for frozen crab legs). If they are raw, bake for 25-30 minutes.
• Once done, remove from the oven and discard the foil. Be cautious of the hot steam when removing the foil.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
• Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and keep warm.

5. Serve

• Serve the baked crab legs with the garlic butter dipping sauce on the side.
• Garnish with additional lemon wedges and parsley for extra flavor and freshness.

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Tips

• Crack the Legs: Use a crab cracker or a mallet to gently crack open the crab legs before serving, making it easier to access the tender meat.
• Steaming Option: For a more intense flavor, you can also steam the crab legs instead of baking them. Simply steam them for 6-8 minutes or until heated through.
• Garlic Butter Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter for a more aromatic dip. You can also mix in some Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.

This recipe for Oven Baked Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce is the perfect indulgent meal, full of flavor and impressively easy to make! 🦀🧄🍋