Looking for a flavorful way to enjoy crab legs? This easy recipe for crab legs with garlic butter sauce is perfect for seafood lovers. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a great option for a quick, yet special, meal. Whether you're using snow crab or another type, this dish will impress your taste buds.
Where to Find Crab Legs
This recipe uses snow crab legs, known for their mild flavor and easy-to-crack shells. They are generally more affordable than king crab legs. You can find fresh or frozen snow crab clusters at most grocery stores or seafood markets.
How to Prepare Crab Legs
Follow these simple steps to cook your crab legs in a rich, garlicky butter sauce:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Continue heating until the mixture starts to bubble.
2. Cook the Crab Legs
Cut a lengthwise slit into each crab leg shell. Add the crab legs to the skillet and toss to coat them in the butter mixture. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, or until the crab meat is heated through.
3. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the crab legs from the skillet and serve hot. Enjoy with the extra garlic butter sauce for dipping.
Tips for Eating and Storing Crab Legs
To eat snow crab legs, pull them off the cluster and bend at the joints. The meat should come out easily if the legs are warm. For storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat by brushing with butter and baking at 350°F for about 8 minutes.
Optional: Spicy Garlic Butter Variation
If you're in the mood for a kick, you can make a spicy garlic butter sauce. Simply add cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture for extra heat. This variation works well with shrimp, crawfish, corn, and potatoes, creating a flavorful seafood boil.
Fresh Seafood Tips
When buying seafood, freshness is key. Purchase from reputable fish markets or grocery stores that handle seafood properly. Look for clear eyes and dark red gills in fish. If buying frozen, check the labels for freshness information.
With these tips and the easy recipe, you'll be able to make a delicious crab leg meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
