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  3. Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs
Sumptuous king crab legs served with bread and herbs in a gourmet setting.

Succulent king crab legs roasted with garlic herb butter

Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs

Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs

22 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

12 min

Total Time

22 min

Servings

2

2 pounds crab legs

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Premium

$$$

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Garlic Butter Baked Crab Legs

Succulent king crab legs roasted with garlic herb butter

Plump king crab legs baked in the oven and basted with garlic herb butter for a luxurious yet easy special-occasion dinner.

10m

Prep Time

12m

Cook Time

22m

Total Time

2

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Premium $$$

Cost

Main CourseGluten-FreeLow-CarbKeto
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

October 24, 2021(Updated April 13, 2026)

There is nothing quite as indulgent as cracking into sweet, succulent crab legs dripping with garlic butter. This recipe takes the classic steamed crab leg experience and elevates it by baking the legs in a garlic herb butter that bastes them as they heat through, infusing every bite with rich, aromatic flavor.

Because king crab legs are sold pre-cooked, this dinner comes together in about 20 minutes — most of which is just oven time. The hardest part is waiting for them to come out. Serve them with extra melted butter for dipping, corn on the cob, and maybe a crisp white wine for one of the most memorable dinners you can make at home.

Why This Recipe Works

King crab legs are pre-cooked and only need to be heated through, making this an incredibly quick luxury dinner. Baking in foil traps steam and keeps the meat moist while the garlic butter infuses into every crevice. Splitting the shells before baking allows the butter to penetrate directly into the meat.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds king crab legs, thawed
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

  2. 2

    Using kitchen shears, cut along the top of each crab leg shell to expose the meat inside.

  3. 3

    Arrange crab legs on the baking sheet in a single layer.

  4. 4

    Whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and Old Bay. Brush half the garlic butter generously over and into the split crab legs.

  5. 5

    Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crab legs are heated through and the butter is sizzling.

  6. 6

    Serve with the remaining garlic butter in small bowls for dipping, along with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal

  • Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side

  • Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation

Substitutions

King crab legsSnow crab or Dungeness crab legs

Both are more affordable with slightly different textures

ButterGhee

Provides a nuttier flavor and works for those avoiding regular butter

Old BayCajun seasoning

Adds a spicier kick with a similar savory flavor profile

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Thaw frozen crab legs in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. In a pinch, run them under cold water for 10 minutes.

  • Use kitchen shears rather than a knife to open the shells — it is much safer and easier.

  • Provide plenty of napkins, a shell cracker, and a bowl for discarded shells.

  • The cooking time is just for reheating — the crab is already cooked. Do not overbake or the meat becomes tough.

Storage

Store leftover crab meat (removed from shells) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It is delicious cold in crab salad.

Reheating

Steam briefly over boiling water for 3-4 minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes. Gentle is key.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (Half the crab legs) · 2 servings

Calories420
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein36g
Carbohydrates2g
Fat30g
Fiber0g
Sugar0g
Sodium1200mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are king crab legs so expensive?
King crab is harvested in harsh Alaskan waters with strict quotas, making it a limited, labor-intensive product. The sweet, delicate meat is considered among the finest seafood in the world.
Can I use snow crab instead?
Yes, snow crab legs are smaller and more affordable. Reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes. The meat is sweeter but comes in smaller quantities per leg.

Explore More

More Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesLow-Carb RecipesKeto RecipesOven Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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