These Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce are my go-to dish during crab season. The meat turns out incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful, infused with a buttery garlic seasoning that makes every bite irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and effortless this dish is while delivering restaurant-quality results. There’s no need to boil or steam—just bake the crab legs in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and let the oven do the work. The Creole seasoning adds a subtle kick that balances perfectly with the lemon and fresh herbs. Whether I’m hosting guests or just treating myself, this recipe never fails to impress.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb king crab legs
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
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1–2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
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½ tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley
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Lemon wedges, to serve
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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When ready to cook, I cut the crab legs in half using kitchen shears so that the meat is exposed. This makes them easier to eat and lets the butter soak in.
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I place the cut crab legs in an oven-safe pan or on a baking sheet.
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In a small bowl, I mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and Creole seasoning. I microwave the mixture for about 1 minute to let the flavors blend.
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After microwaving, I stir in the lemon juice.
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I brush the butter mixture generously over the crab legs, reserving some for serving.
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I bake the crab legs for about 5 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the butter is sizzling.
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I finish by sprinkling them with fresh parsley or chives.
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I serve immediately with extra butter sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people generously as a main course.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: Approximately 15 minutes
Variations
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Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the butter sauce for a spicy version.
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If I’m out of Creole seasoning, I use Old Bay or a mix of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder.
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I occasionally swap parsley with fresh dill or cilantro for a twist in flavor.
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For a citrusy kick, I zest the lemon before juicing it and add the zest to the butter sauce.
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When serving a crowd, I double the recipe and bake everything on a foil-lined sheet pan for easy cleanup.
Storage/Reheating
I rarely have leftovers, but when I do, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, I place the crab legs in a covered baking dish and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, adding a little extra butter to keep them moist. I avoid microwaving, as it can make the meat rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use snow crab legs instead of king crab?
Yes, I sometimes make this recipe with snow crab legs. They’re smaller but cook the same way and absorb the butter beautifully.
Do I need to thaw the crab legs first?
Yes, I always thaw them in the fridge overnight if they’re frozen. This ensures even cooking and prevents the crab from drying out.
Can I make this recipe without Creole seasoning?
Absolutely. I’ve made it with simple salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika when I didn’t have Creole seasoning on hand.
What side dishes go well with baked crab legs?
I usually serve them with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to keep the meal light and balanced.
Can I prepare the butter sauce in advance?
Yes, I often make the butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. I warm it slightly before brushing it on the crab legs.
Conclusion
These Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce are one of my favorite seafood indulgences. They’re quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare at home. With tender crab meat, rich garlic butter, and a hint of Creole spice, this dish is sure to satisfy every seafood craving. Whether it’s crab season or just a special dinner, this recipe always delivers.
Print
Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Tender, juicy king crab legs baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of Creole seasoning and lemon. A quick, luxurious seafood dish that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
1 lb king crab legs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1–2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
½ tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley
Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut crab legs in half using kitchen shears to expose the meat.
- Place crab legs in an oven-safe pan or on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and Creole seasoning. Microwave for 1 minute to blend flavors.
- Stir in lemon juice after microwaving.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the crab legs, reserving some for serving.
- Bake for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and butter is sizzling.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and serve immediately with lemon wedges and reserved butter sauce.
Notes
Add crushed red pepper to the butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Substitute Creole seasoning with Old Bay or a mix of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder.
Use dill or cilantro instead of parsley for a flavor twist.
Add lemon zest to the butter sauce for extra citrus flavor.
Double the recipe for a crowd and bake on a foil-lined sheet pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 lb crab legs with butter sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
