This Yummy Crab Recipe is a seafood lover’s dream! Packed with succulent crab meat, rich butter, and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something indulgent. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful meal that will impress everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Rich & Flavorful – Butter, garlic, and spices enhance the natural sweetness of crab.
- Restaurant-Style at Home – No need to dine out when you can make this gourmet dish easily.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add extra flavors to make it your own!
Ingredients
- Fresh Crab (or frozen) – The star of the dish, bringing sweet, delicate seafood flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Infuses the sauce with bold, savory flavor.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish with a tangy freshness.
- Old Bay Seasoning – A classic seafood seasoning for extra depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Salt & Pepper – To enhance the natural flavors.
Note: The ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Yummy Crab Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crab
If using frozen crab legs, thaw them under cold running water for a few minutes. Pat dry and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Season & Cook the Crab
Add the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Place the crab legs in the pan and toss them gently in the butter sauce. Cover and let them steam for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Lemon & Garnish
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the crab legs and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Give everything a final toss.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately with extra lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh Crab – If available, fresh crab legs have the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook – Overcooked crab can become rubbery, so stick to the recommended time.
- Extra Flavor Boost – Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth.
- Crack the Shells – Lightly crack the shells before cooking to help the seasoning seep in.
How to Serve
- Serve with warm garlic butter sauce for dipping.
- Pair with corn on the cob and garlic bread for a complete seafood feast.
- Enjoy alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crab in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing
If you need to freeze, store the cooked crab in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to retain moisture.
Reheating
Reheat in a pan over low heat with a bit of butter, or steam for 5 minutes to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked crab legs?
Yes! Most store-bought crab legs are pre-cooked. Simply heat them in the butter sauce until warm.
What’s the best way to crack crab legs?
Use a seafood cracker or the back of a spoon to gently crack the shells before eating.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the butter sauce for extra heat.
What’s a good side dish for crab?
Classic sides include corn on the cob, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or garlic bread.
Print
Yummy Crab Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Sauce is a delectable seafood dish featuring tender crab legs enveloped in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This recipe is both simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Snow Crab clusters, thawed if necessary
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Prepare the Crab Legs: Cut a slit, lengthwise, into the shell of each piece of crab to allow the sauce to penetrate the meat.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until translucent, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the dried parsley, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. Continue to heat the mixture until it begins to bubble.
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Cook the Crab Legs: Place the prepared crab legs into the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the butter mixture. Allow them to simmer in the sauce until the crab meat is thoroughly heated, about 5 to 6 minutes.
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Serve: Once heated through, transfer the crab legs to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the crab legs. Serve immediately, perhaps with lemon wedges and crusty bread to complement the dish.
Notes
Crab Selection: While Snow Crab is recommended for its mild flavor and easy-to-crack shells, this recipe is versatile and works well with other varieties such as King Crab or Dungeness Crab.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs excellently with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs.
Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store the crab legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately ½ pound of crab legs with sauce
- Calories: 206
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 203mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 61mg
Keywords: Crab legs, garlic butter sauce, seafood recipe, easy crab dish, sautéed crab