Delectable Garlic Butter King Crab Legs
Indulge in the exquisite taste of these Delectable Garlic Butter King Crab Legs, reminiscent of the iconic flavors from The Crab House on Pier 39 in San Francisco. This recipe elevates the humble crab leg into a sumptuous feast, perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying a seafood craving. The buttery garlic sauce drapes over succulent king crab legs, enhancing their natural sweetness and providing a burst of flavors with each bite. Your home will fill with the irresistible aroma of garlic and citrus, making it nearly impossible to resist diving in! Prepare to impress your guests or treat yourself, as this dish is not only delicious but also easy to make.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
king crab legs
2 lbs (thawed if frozen)
butter
1/2 cup (salted or unsalted)
garlic
5 cloves (minced or pressed)
lemon
1/2 (juiced)
lime
1/2 (juiced)
extra virgin olive oil
1/8 cup
sea salt
to taste (optional)
dried parsley
to taste (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and lightly sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
3
Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and half a lime into the garlic butter. Squeeze the juice into your hands to catch any seeds. Stir until combined and let the mixture simmer on low heat to meld the flavors.
4
Add salt to taste and a couple of pinches of dried parsley to the sauce. Stir to mix well then remove from heat.
5
Arrange the thawed king crab legs in a 9x13 baking dish. Using a basting brush, generously coat each leg with the garlic butter sauce. If using, consider injecting additional sauce into the wider ends of the legs for extra flavor.
6
Pour any remaining sauce over the crab legs.
7
Place the baking dish on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. If the legs are particularly thick, they may require additional time.
8
Every 5-7 minutes, baste the legs with the garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the pan to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with additional parsley for garnish if desired.
10
For serving, you can serve directly from the baking dish to minimize cleanup and allow for dipping into the buttery sauce, or transfer to a platter and serve with ramekins of sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 2 lbs of king crab legs, which should be thawed if they were frozen.
What oven temperature is required for baking the crab legs?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much butter is used for the garlic butter sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of butter, which can be either salted or unsalted.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 5 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed.
What citrus fruits are included in the sauce?
The sauce uses the juice from half a lemon and half a lime.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic in melted butter for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
How long do the king crab legs need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 25 minutes, though thicker legs may require more time.
How often should I baste the crab legs during baking?
You should baste the legs with the sauce from the bottom of the pan every 5-7 minutes.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13 baking dish is recommended for arranging the crab legs.
Can I use olive oil in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is reminiscent of the iconic flavors from The Crab House on Pier 39 in San Francisco.
Is sea salt required?
Sea salt is optional and should be added to taste.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What kind of parsley is used for garnish?
Dried parsley is used both in the sauce and as an optional garnish.
How do I prevent seeds from getting into the sauce?
Squeeze the lemon and lime juice into your hands to catch any seeds before they fall into the butter.
Should the crab legs be frozen or thawed?
The king crab legs should be thawed if they were previously frozen.
What is the best way to apply the sauce to the crab?
Use a basting brush to generously coat each leg, and consider injecting sauce into the wider ends for more flavor.
What should I do with the remaining garlic butter sauce?
Pour any remaining sauce over the crab legs in the baking dish before placing them in the oven.
How can I minimize cleanup when serving?
You can serve the crab directly from the baking dish to minimize cleanup.
Can I serve the sauce on the side?
Yes, you can transfer the legs to a platter and serve them with ramekins of the buttery sauce on the side.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Crab or Seafood.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced or pressed before being sautéed.
Why is it important to baste the legs?
Basting ensures the crab legs stay moist and flavorful throughout the baking process.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, the description notes that this dish is not only delicious but also easy to make.
What is the primary flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce is a savory blend of garlic, butter, and bright citrus from lemon and lime.
When should the parsley be added?
A few pinches are stirred into the sauce before baking, and more can be sprinkled on top after baking as a garnish.
Does the recipe specify a type of salt?
The recipe suggests using sea salt.
What rack should I use in the oven?
The baking dish should be placed on the center rack of the preheated oven.
What happens if I burn the garlic?
The recipe advises being careful not to let the garlic burn as it will negatively affect the flavor of the butter sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total, including the crab legs, butter, garlic, citrus, oil, and seasonings.