Tender crab legs coated in rich garlic butter with a splash of lemon and a hint of Old Bay seasoning — a decadent seafood dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home!
📋 Recipe Card
Yield: 2–4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free | Seafood | Easy Dinner
🧾 Ingredients Checklist
🦀 Main Ingredients
2 lbs crab legs (king or snow crab), thawed if frozen
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Salt, to taste
🌿 Garnish & Extras
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Extra melted butter, for dipping (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Crab Legs
Rinse crab legs and pat them dry.
Use kitchen shears to carefully snip open the shells in a few spots to make them easier to eat later.
2️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t brown it).
Stir in the lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning if using. Simmer gently for another minute.
3️⃣ Heat the Crab Legs
Add crab legs to the skillet. Use a spoon to baste the legs with garlic butter.
Cover and cook for 4–6 minutes, turning once or twice until heated through.
4️⃣ Plate and Serve
Transfer crab legs to a serving platter.
Pour any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately with extra melted butter for dipping, if desired.
💡 Tips & Notes
Use thawed crab legs: For best texture and flavor, avoid cooking from frozen.
Don’t overcook: You’re just heating them through, not cooking them from raw.
Crack smart: Crack open the shells before serving to make eating much easier for guests.
Add spice: Like heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the butter.
🧂 Ingredient Swaps & Flavor Ideas
No Old Bay? Use a mix of paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Try lime instead of lemon for a more tropical twist.
Want even more flavor? Add white wine or a splash of seafood stock to the garlic butter while it simmers.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty bread, corn on the cob, or garlic mashed potatoes
For a full seafood spread, serve alongside shrimp scampi, clam chowder, or a fresh garden salad
Don’t forget a bowl for shells and wet napkins or lemon-scented towels for cleanup!
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftover crab legs in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or more butter over low heat. Avoid the microwave, which can dry out the meat.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake or steam the crab instead?
A: Yes! Steam for 5–7 minutes or bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with garlic butter before serving.
Q: Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Make it up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently before adding crab legs.
Q: Can I use pre-cracked crab meat instead of whole legs?
A: Yes! Just warm the meat in the garlic butter for 2–3 minutes until heated through. It’s less dramatic but just as delicious.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a date night, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a luxurious meal, this Garlic Butter Crab Legs recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal fuss. It’s restaurant-worthy, but completely doable in your own kitchen.