Steamed King Crab Legs with Garlic Lemon Butter
Sweet, tender king crab legs steamed to perfection and served with rich garlic lemon butter. An easy seafood dinner ready in minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American Seafood
Ingredients
2 pounds king crab legs (fresh or frozen, pre-cooked)
2 cups water
1 cup white wine (optional, or use additional water)
1 lemon, sliced
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika (optional)
Salt, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs
Rinse the crab legs under cool running water to remove any ice crystals. If necessary, use kitchen shears to cut the legs into smaller sections that will fit inside your steamer basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Steamer
Fill a large pot with the water and white wine. Add the lemon slices and Old Bay seasoning.
Place a steamer basket or metal colander over the liquid, ensuring it does not touch the water.
Step 3: Steam the Crab Legs
Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Arrange the crab legs in the steamer basket and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Steam for 6–8 minutes if thawed.
Steam for 8–10 minutes if frozen.
The crab is ready when heated through and fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter
While the crab steams, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Stir in:
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Fresh parsley
Cayenne pepper or paprika (if using)
Salt to taste
Remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the steamed king crab legs to a serving platter.
Brush lightly with the garlic lemon butter and serve immediately with the remaining butter sauce and fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Most king crab legs sold in stores are already fully cooked, so steaming is simply for reheating.
White wine adds extra flavor to the steaming liquid but can be omitted.
Use seafood crackers and small forks for easier serving.
Fresh parsley can be substituted with chives or dill.
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the butter sauce.
Leftover crab meat can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and used in seafood pasta, salads, or crab cakes.
