While crab legs may not be the most budget-friendly protein option, this sheet pan recipe proves that cooking them doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, baked crab legs can elevate any special occasion into a memorable one. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or main course, these succulent legs are sure to impress. Consider treating your loved ones on Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve with this indulgent dish, and don’t hesitate if you spot some crab legs on sale – it’s a culinary steal! The combination of Old Bay seasoning, buttery richness, garlic’s depth, and lemon’s brightness brings out the best in these snow crab legs. Their distinct flavor is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. If you’re craving more seafood options, try your hand at campfire shrimp scampi foil packets or sheet pan blackened tilapia Baja fish nachos. Alternatively, if comfort food is what you’re after, sheet pan honey garlic pork chops are another crowd-pleaser. And for a quick snack, pair olives with feta cheese – it’s the perfect accompaniment to your special occasion.
Why You’ll Love It
Savoring simplicity, this mouthwatering snow crab legs recipe showcases the harmonious balance of Old Bay seasoning, butter, garlic, and lemon without overwhelming your taste buds. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare! Simply brush the seafood seasoning mixture over the crab and bake until tender. Meanwhile, whip up some aromatic garlic butter to serve on the side. Voilà! A sophisticated appetizer that’s sure to impress without requiring hours of fussing in the kitchen. Perfect for new home cooks or those looking to present a refined yet effortless dish.
How to Make Old Bay Crab Legs on a Sheet Pan
To begin preparing the dish, start by preheating your oven. Meanwhile, arrange the crab legs on a rimmed baking sheet. In a separate container, combine olive oil and half the Old Bay seasoning, then brush this mixture evenly over the crab legs. Once your oven is ready, cook the crab legs for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they’re cooked through. As the crab legs are cooking, prepare the garlic butter by mixing the remaining Old Bay with melted butter and minced garlic. Finally, serve the warm crab legs alongside the garlic butter mixture, lemon wedges or slices, and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to king crab legs, they’re another option altogether. While they’re not necessarily out of reach, they do come with a higher price tag and require more effort to prepare. You’ll need to crack them open using crab leg crackers (link) as their thicker legs mean they don’t come in clusters like snow crab legs. Snow crabs, on the other hand, are generally easier to crack by hand. If you’re looking for alternatives to Old Bay seasoning, consider substituting it with your preferred seafood seasoning, such as Cajun seasoning. For an unsalted butter-based dipping sauce, a pinch of salt might be necessary to bring out the flavor – just taste it first to ensure the right balance.
How to Serve Easy Baked Crab Legs
Indulge in this mouthwatering garlic butter recipe straight from the oven, serving it warm with a personal portion of melted butter dip and a slice of lemon. This rich spread pairs exquisitely with crusty bread or a light mixed green salad.
To balance out the bold flavors, keep your sides simple and understated. Mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, or steamed asparagus would all provide a pleasant contrast to the garlic butter’s richness. Alternatively, you could opt for other protein pairings like succulent shrimp or fresh seafood, or even explore the possibilities of andouille sausage.
How to Store Baked Crab Legs
When storing cooked crab, aim to keep it fresh for up to three days by sealing it tightly in an airtight container and refrigerating it. If you plan on freezing the crab legs, make sure to do so within 3 months’ time. To thaw, simply leave them overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes if the crabmeat is still contained within its shell. Alternatively, warm up the crabmeat by itself in a skillet with a small amount of oil or butter for approximately 4 minutes, taking care not to overheat it and risk drying out the meat.
Baked Crab Legs FAQs
When faced with leftover crab legs, the possibilities are endless! You can create delectable dishes like crab cakes, bisque, salad, or even homemade sushi. But what if you’re working with fresh crab legs instead of leftovers? While it’s possible to prepare them from scratch, using live crab requires immediate cooking or freezing. This is why flash frozen crab legs are more readily available. If you don’t mind the extra effort, boiling live crab can be an option. However, for ease and convenience, flash frozen crab legs remain a popular choice, yielding sweet, moist, and tender results with minimal fuss.
Easy Bake Sheet Pan Crab Legs Recipe
Sheet Pan Crab Legs
Bella Bucchiotti’s sheet pan crab legs recipe is a game-changer for any special occasion. Whether serving as an appetizer or main course, this easy-to-cook dish is sure to impress. With only 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy succulent baked crab legs with minimal fuss. This recipe serves two, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or intimate gathering.
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to a sizzling 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, lay out the crab clusters in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure they have ample space to cook evenly. In a small mixing bowl, combine one teaspoon of olive oil with one teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Gently brush this mixture over each cluster, ensuring they’re all coated with the flavorful blend. After 10-15 minutes in the oven, it’s time to add some extra flair. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining teaspoon of Old Bay, melted butter, and minced garlic until well combined. Finally, serve the succulent crab alongside this savory garlic butter and slices of lemon for a delightful culinary experience.