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Baked Crab Legs Recipe

Baked crab legs are an effortless way to enjoy sweet, tender seafood with a rich, buttery finish. Whether you're making a special dinner or craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this simple method ensures perfect results every time.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Baked Crab Legs Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 500kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 –8 king crab legs OR 4–6 snow crab clusters
  • Melted butter or ghee for dipping

Instructions

Snow Crab Legs (Fresh/Thawed – Preferred Method)

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the crab legs in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap to allow even heating. Transfer the baking sheet to the middle rack and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully check if the shells feel hot to the touch. If additional heating is needed, return them to the oven in 5-minute increments until they are fully warmed through. Serve immediately with melted butter or ghee for dipping.

Snow Crab Legs (Frozen)

  • Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out the frozen crab legs in a single layer, making sure they are not stacked to promote even cooking. Bake on the middle rack for 15 to 20 minutes. Once the timer goes off, carefully touch the shells to ensure they are sufficiently heated. If they are not hot, continue baking in 5-minute intervals until warmed through. Serve hot with ghee or melted butter.

King Crab Legs (Fresh/Thawed – Preferred Method)

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the crab legs out evenly without overlapping them to ensure even baking. Position the baking sheet in the middle rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Check if the shells are hot to the touch. If they need additional warming, return them to the oven in 5-minute increments until they reach the desired temperature. Serve immediately with warm melted butter or ghee.

King Crab Legs (Frozen)

  • Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the frozen crab legs in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping them spaced apart to allow for even heat distribution. Bake on the middle rack for 18 to 22 minutes. Once done, carefully touch the shells to confirm they are hot. If needed, return them to the oven for additional 5-minute intervals until they are fully warmed. Serve hot with your choice of melted butter or ghee.

Notes

  • Fresh vs. Frozen: You can bake crab legs straight from frozen, but the excess moisture can soften the shells slightly. For the best texture, it's recommended to thaw them before cooking.
  • Flexible Serving Size: This recipe is easily adjustable—add more or fewer crab legs based on your needs. Just ensure they are arranged in a single layer to prevent overlapping, as that can affect cooking time.
  • Thawing Crab Legs: The ideal method is to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, running them under cold water and patting them dry is a quick alternative.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal
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