Name: Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Snow Crab clusters, thawed if frozen; 1/4 cup butter; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon salt

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A quick and indulgent seafood dish, these snow crab legs are gently simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with parsley, pepper, and a touch of salt. Perfect for an elevated seafood night at home or a special dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crab leg recipe is pure luxury with minimal effort. Pre-cut shells make eating easier and let the garlic butter soak into the sweet crab meat. The flavor is rich and decadent, yet light enough to enjoy with sides like fresh salad or crusty bread. It’s fast, foolproof, and impressive enough for date night or guests. Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound Snow Crab clusters, thawed if frozen
¼ cup butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1½ teaspoons dried parsley
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt

Directions

Prep the crab: Cut a lengthwise slit into each crab leg shell to make the meat easier to remove after cooking.
Make garlic butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until translucent. Stir in parsley, pepper, and salt. Heat until the mixture is bubbling.
Cook crab: Add crab legs to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Plate the crab legs hot, spooning some of the garlic butter over the top. Serve with extra melted butter for dipping if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Lemon garlic butter: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving.
Spicy twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Herb upgrade: Swap parsley for fresh dill or chives.
Old Bay flavor: Add a light sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood taste.
Surf and turf: Serve alongside a grilled steak for a decadent pairing.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, brushing with butter to keep the meat moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the crab.

FAQs

Can I use king crab legs instead?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time as king crab legs are larger and may need an extra minute or two.

Can I make this with frozen crab legs?

Yes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

How do I prevent overcooking the crab?

Since crab legs are usually pre-cooked, just heat them through gently without boiling for too long.

What’s the best way to crack the shells?

Use kitchen shears or a crab cracker for easy access to the meat.

Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?

Yes, use about 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley.

Do I need to add salt if the crab is already salted?

Taste the butter sauce first—some crab is naturally salty, so you may want to reduce or omit the added salt.

Can I grill the crab legs instead?

Yes, brush them with garlic butter and grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes.

What sides go well with this dish?

Crusty bread, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad pair beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger skillet or cook the crab in batches to ensure even coating.

How do I keep the butter sauce from separating?

Keep it at a low simmer and stir occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.

Conclusion

Crab legs with garlic butter sauce are a simple yet luxurious dish that turns any meal into a special occasion. With minimal prep, a quick simmer, and a burst of garlicky, buttery flavor, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy seafood at home without the fuss.