Oven-Baked Crab Legs with Compound Butter Sauce and Aromatic Herbs

Seafood has always been synonymous with elegance and indulgence, and few dishes capture this better than oven-baked crab legs. With their naturally sweet, succulent meat and delicate texture, crab legs make a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or a luxurious weeknight dinner. When paired with a rich compound butter sauce infused with aromatic herbs, they become an unforgettable treat that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table with minimal effort.

This recipe emphasizes simplicity without compromising on flavor. Using basic ingredients like fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and butter, you can prepare a dish that tastes gourmet but takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a seafood feast, these oven-baked crab legs are a guaranteed showstopper.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 people and requires the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs crab legs (king crab or snow crab) – choose fresh or thawed frozen crab legs.
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – the base for the flavorful compound butter.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a fragrant, savory depth.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped – for a bright, herbal note.
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped – complements the sweetness of the crab.
• 1 tsp lemon zest – for a refreshing citrus aroma.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – enhances flavor and balances richness.
• 1/2 tsp salt – adjust according to taste.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground preferred.

Optional Garnish: Extra parsley or dill for plating.

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush or spoon for spreading butter
• Kitchen tongs
• Serving platter

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easy and prevent sticking. The foil also helps retain moisture during baking, keeping the crab meat tender.

Step 2: Make the Compound Butter

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Tips for Success:

• Use softened butter, not melted, to make spreading easier.
• Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch (use 1 tsp parsley and 1/2 tsp dill if using dried).
• Adjust garlic and lemon to taste based on personal preference.

Step 3: Arrange the Crab Legs

Place the crab legs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and allows the butter to coat each leg thoroughly.

Using a spoon or a basting brush, spread the compound butter generously over all sides of the crab legs. Be generous — the butter not only adds flavor but also keeps the meat moist.

Step 4: Bake the Crab Legs

Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This final step allows the butter to bubble and lightly brown, enhancing both aroma and flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the crab legs from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra compound butter from the pan and garnish with additional fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with lemon wedges for added zest.
• Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a light salad for balance.
• Offer crusty bread to soak up the flavorful butter sauce.
• For a special touch, include garlic butter dipping sauce for extra richness.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crab Legs

1. Thaw Frozen Crab Legs Properly: If using frozen crab, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results. You can also rinse under cold water for faster thawing.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill elevate the flavor, though dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
3. Don’t Overbake: Crab meat cooks quickly. Overbaking can make the meat rubbery. Follow the timing carefully for tender, juicy results.
4. Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
5. Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it to make cleanup effortless.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 31 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Vitamin A: 0 IU
• Vitamin C: 0 mg
• Calcium: 0 mg
• Iron: 0 mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen crab legs?

Yes! Frozen crab legs work perfectly. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before baking.

2. Can I substitute king crab with snow crab?

Absolutely. Both king and snow crab work well in this recipe. King crab has larger legs and meatier portions, while snow crab is slightly sweeter and more delicate.

3. Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but dried parsley and dill can be used in smaller amounts: 1 tsp parsley and 1/2 tsp dill.

4. How do I serve this for a crowd?

Double or triple the recipe and bake the crab legs on multiple sheets in the oven, or stagger baking in batches. Serve with extra compound butter and lemon wedges.

5. Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The compound butter can be prepared a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and spread over crab legs just before baking.

6. Can I grill the crab legs instead of baking?

Yes, preheat a grill to medium-high heat and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with compound butter. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

7. What should I serve with these crab legs?

Pair them with sides like steamed vegetables, a light salad, garlic bread, or rice pilaf. Lemon wedges and extra butter make excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Crab Legs with Compound Butter Sauce and Aromatic Herbs are an effortless way to bring a luxurious seafood experience to your home. With minimal prep time and only 20 minutes of active cooking, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the stress.

The secret lies in the compound butter, which infuses each bite of crab with garlic, fresh herbs, and bright citrus notes. Perfect for entertaining, special occasions, or treating yourself to a decadent dinner, these crab legs are sure to impress both in taste and presentation.

Whether you serve them for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, this recipe is easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Enjoy with your favorite sides, a chilled white wine, and plenty of extra butter for dipping, and you’ve got a seafood meal that’s unforgettable.

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