1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully split the crab legs lengthwise to expose the meat.
3. Arrange the crab legs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
5. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
6. Drizzle the butter sauce evenly over the crab legs, making sure to coat each piece generously.
7. Bake the crab legs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crab meat is heated through and the butter sauce is bubbling.
8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crab legs cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges and melted butter on the side for dipping.
Why We Love This Recipe
1. **Luxurious Flavor:** The combination of tender crab meat and rich, buttery sauce creates a dish that’s fit for a gourmet feast. Each bite is bursting with savory goodness and a hint of zesty lemon.
2. **Simple Preparation:** Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners when you want to treat yourself.
3. **Versatile:** While we love the simplicity of baking the crab legs in butter sauce, feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite seasonings or additional ingredients such as garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs.
4. **Impressive Presentation:** Serve these baked crab legs on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an elegant presentation that will wow your guests.
Conclusion
Treat yourself to a taste of luxury with our Baked Crab Legs in Butter Sauce recipe. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a special meal at home, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its succulent crab meat and rich, flavorful butter sauce, every bite is a celebration of culinary excellence. So fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to savor the ultimate seafood experience. Bon appétit!