Crab Legs with Garlic Butter
Crab Legs with Garlic Butter are steamed until perfectly tender, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley.Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy seafood recipe is perfect for holidays, family dinners, and special occasions.Use king crab, snow crab, or Dungeness crab for delicious results.
Ingredients
- 6 pounds crab legs king crab, snow crab, Dungeness crab, or a combination
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pour about 3 inches of water into a large stockpot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- If needed, crack the crab legs slightly using seafood crackers or kitchen shears to make them easier to eat.
- Arrange the crab legs inside the pot or a steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for 5–7 minutes until heated through. If using raw crab legs, cook for 10–12 minutes until the shells turn bright red-orange and the meat is opaque.
- Carefully remove the crab legs and keep them warm.
- Discard the steaming water and return the pot to the stove over medium heat.
- Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Return the crab legs to the pot and gently toss until evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional parsley and fresh lemon wedges.
- Serve your Crab Legs with Garlic Butter immediately while hot.
Notes
- King crab offers large, meaty portions.
- Snow crab provides sweeter, more delicate meat.
- Dungeness crab delivers a rich, buttery flavor.
- Fresh parsley can be replaced with chives for a mild onion flavor.