Lemon butter crab legs are a mouthwatering seafood dish that combines the sweet and tender meat of crab legs with the rich flavors of lemon and butter. Here’s a simple recipe to make lemon butter crab legs:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of crab legs (snow crab or king crab)
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Thaw the Crab Legs: If you’re using frozen crab legs, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or according to the package instructions. Fresh crab legs can be used immediately.
- Steam the Crab Legs: You can steam the crab legs to heat them through before adding the lemon butter sauce. To do this, place a steaming rack or basket in a large pot filled with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, add the crab legs to the rack, cover the pot with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes or until the crab legs are heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the crab legs for a few minutes to heat them.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice and seasoning to your preference.
- Serve: Place the steamed crab legs on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the crab legs or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the lemon butter crab legs hot with additional lemon wedges and plenty of napkins for messy fingers.
Lemon butter crab legs are often served with additional seafood accompaniments like shrimp, mussels, or lobster, as well as side dishes such as garlic bread, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. It’s a delightful and indulgent seafood treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a memorable meal at home. Enjoy!