Recipes › Seafood › Baked Crab Legs Recipe

Baked Crab Legs Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

This Italian-inspired baked crab legs recipe features succulent king crab legs bathed in garlic-infused butter with fresh herbs and lemon. A simple yet elegant preparation that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in under 30 minutes. Perfect as a luxurious main course or an impressive appetizer for entertaining.

Ingredients

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) king crab legs, thawed if frozen
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 10 g (1 tbsp) fresh thyme leaves
• 5 ml (1 tsp) red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the crab legs dry with paper towels and arrange them on two large baking sheets in a single layer.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the softened butter, allowing it to melt completely into the garlic-infused oil. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

4. Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the arranged crab legs, turning them occasionally to ensure thorough coating.

5. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the crab legs, reserving half the parsley for finishing.

6. Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the crab meat is heated through and the butter is bubbling around the edges.

7. Remove from the oven and transfer the crab legs to a serving platter. Pour any remaining butter sauce from the pan over the top.

8. Finish with the reserved fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Substitutions

• Substitute king crab legs with snow crab or rock crab legs and reduce baking time to 12-14 minutes
• Replace butter with ghee or clarified butter for a cleaner flavor profile
• Use fresh tarragon or oregano instead of thyme for a different herbal note
• Swap lemon juice with fresh orange juice for a subtle sweetness

Tips

• Ensure crab legs are properly thawed before cooking to promote even heating throughout; thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheets—maintain a single layer to allow even heat circulation and proper butter caramelization
• For best results, use fresh garlic minced by hand rather than pre-minced, as it provides superior flavor and aroma

In Italian coastal cuisine, particularly in Sicily and along the Adriatic, simply prepared seafood with butter and garlic reflects the region's philosophy of letting quality ingredients shine. This preparation style honors the Mediterranean tradition of treating luxurious proteins like crab with minimal but flavorful accompaniments.

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