Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for heating the crab legs thoroughly without drying them out.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Legs
- Arrange Crab Legs: If the crab legs are too long to fit in your baking dish, you can cut them into smaller sections. Arrange the crab legs in a single layer in a large baking dish, bending as necessary to fit.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the lemon juice, dried parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for an additional minute to combine the flavors, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Bake the Crab Legs
- Pour Butter Sauce: Pour the prepared butter sauce evenly over the crab legs in the baking dish. Try to cover all the legs for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and type of crab legs. They are ready when fully heated through.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Garnish the crab legs with additional fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately, ensuring to pour any leftover butter sauce from the dish over the crab legs or into a small bowl for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Baked Crab Legs:
- Thaw Properly: If using frozen crab legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Crab legs are typically pre-cooked when purchased, so you’re essentially reheating them. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the butter sauce. Thyme, oregano, or a splash of white wine can add extra dimensions of flavor.
Enjoy your baked crab legs with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or simply on their own to fully savor the rich flavors of the sea. This dish is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and sumptuous taste.