Garlic Butter Crab Legs at Home

Ingredients

• 3 lbs snow crab legs or king crab legs, frozen
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Fill your largest pot with enough water to submerge the crab legs. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and squeeze in half the lemon, dropping the lemon half into the water. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat.

2. 2

   Add the crab legs directly to the boiling water — no need to thaw first if frozen. Alternatively, place a steamer basket in the pot with 2 inches of water and lay the legs on top for steaming.

3. 3

   Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until heated all the way through. The shells will brighten in color and the meat will be hot and steaming when cracked open. Set a timer and do not walk away.

4. 4

   While the crab cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Keep warm on the lowest heat setting.

5. 5

   Remove the crab legs from the pot with tongs and let them drain briefly. Arrange on a large tray or serve directly on the table.

6. 6

   Pour the garlic butter into small dipping bowls. Serve with lemon wedges and use kitchen shears or a crab cracker to open the shells and pull out the sweet crab meat.