Certainly, here’s a simple recipe for Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) crab legs, thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crab Legs: If your crab legs are frozen, make sure to thaw them in advance according to the package instructions. Use kitchen shears or a seafood cracker to make small cuts along the shells of the crab legs. This will help the butter sauce penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Coat the Crab Legs: Lay the crab legs in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Brush or drizzle the butter sauce over the crab legs, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
- Bake the Crab Legs: Place the baking dish or baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the crab legs, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Baste During Cooking: Optionally, you can baste the crab legs with more butter sauce halfway through the baking time. This adds extra flavor and moisture to the crab meat.
- Serve: Once the crab legs are heated through and the shells are slightly red, remove them from the oven. Serve the crab legs with any remaining butter sauce for dipping. You can also garnish with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges for extra freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve the baked crab legs as a main dish, accompanied by sides like garlic butter rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.
Remember that cooking times can vary based on the size and type of crab legs, so it’s important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Baked crab legs in butter sauce make for a delicious and indulgent seafood dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a flavorful dinner at home.