Description
Sweet, tender red crab legs cooked with garlic butter and Cajun seasoning for a flavorful seafood feast. Perfect for a summer boil or cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
2–3 lbs red crab legs or claws (fresh or frozen)
1 cup unsalted butter
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
Sea salt, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
Thaw frozen crab legs overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Rinse and lightly crack thicker shells.
For steaming: Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water, bring to a boil, place crab legs in a steamer basket, cover, and steam for 6–8 minutes.
For boiling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add Cajun seasoning and crab legs, boil for 5–7 minutes.
For grilling: Brush thawed crab legs with melted butter and grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
For baking: Wrap crab legs in foil with butter, garlic, and lemon slices. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
While cooking, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
Toss cooked crab legs in the garlic butter sauce or serve the sauce on the side. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
Use wild-caught crab for superior flavor and sustainability.
Do not overcook; crab meat should slide out easily and remain moist.
Serve with classic sides like corn, potatoes, or smoked sausage for a complete seafood boil.
Keep leftover crab in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming, Boiling, Grilling, or Baking
- Cuisine: American (Coastal)