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Steamed King Crab Recipe: Juicy Legs & Garlic Butter Sauce

Steamed King Crab with Garlic Lemon Butter

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs King Crab legs Thawed, cut at joints to fit pot
  • 2 cups Water For steaming
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning Optional, for the water
  • 1 lemon Lemon Sliced into rounds
  • 4 oz Unsalted butter Melted
  • 2 cloves Garlic Finely minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped

Instructions
 

  • If crab legs are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or run under cold water for 10-15 minutes until pliable.
  • Fill a large stockpot with about 2 inches of water. Add the lemon slices and Old Bay seasoning to the water. Place a steamer basket inside, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the basket.
  • Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  • Arrange the crab legs in the steamer basket. Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
  • Steam for 5 to 7 minutes if the crab is thawed, or 8 to 10 minutes if frozen, until the meat is heated through and emits a cooked seafood aroma.
  • While the crab steams, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Heat gently for 1-2 minutes to infuse flavors, then stir in the parsley.
  • Remove the crab legs from the pot with tongs. Serve immediately with the warm garlic butter sauce.