Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Sauce

Name: Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1.5 kg crab legs (thawed if frozen); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

25 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Enjoy succulent crab legs paired with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a special dinner.

Prep

10 min

Cook

15 min

Total

25 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Crab legs, with their sweet and tender meat, are a luxurious seafood dish that many enjoy worldwide. Paired with a garlic butter sauce, they transform into a meal that is both indulgent and satisfying. This recipe captures the essence of the sea, enhanced by the rich flavours of garlic and butter. It's a dish that works wonderfully for a special occasion or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply looking for a new culinary adventure, this recipe for crab legs with garlic butter sauce is sure to impress.

Instructions

Prepare the Crab Legs

If using frozen crab legs, ensure they are fully thawed by running under cold water or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight.

Boil the Crab Legs

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the crab legs and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Pro tip: The crab meat should be tender and hot to the touch.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

Add Seasonings to the Sauce

Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the melted butter and garlic. Mix until well combined.

Finish the Sauce

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in chopped parsley for added freshness and colour.

Pro tip: Parsley is added at the end to maintain its vibrant colour.

Serve the Crab Legs

Arrange the cooked crab legs on a serving platter and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately.

Pro tip: Provide extra sauce on the side for dipping.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Ensure crab legs are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even heating.
Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavour in the butter sauce.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook crab legs with garlic butter sauce?

Boil the crab legs for 5-7 minutes, then serve with a garlic butter sauce made from melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.

What is the best way to serve crab legs?

Serve crab legs hot with garlic butter sauce, accompanied by crusty bread or a light salad.

How long do you boil crab legs?

Boil crab legs for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through.

Can you make crab legs ahead of time?

Crab legs are best served immediately after cooking, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

How many calories are in crab legs with garlic butter sauce?

One serving of crab legs with garlic butter sauce contains approximately 340 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crab legs with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to complement the rich flavours of the garlic butter sauce. A chilled glass of white wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a pan with a bit of extra butter to avoid drying out the crab meat.

Nutrition per serving

340

Calories

30g

Protein

24g

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