Easy Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs with Garlic Butter

Want to know how to cook Snow Crab Legs in the oven? With just 5 ingredients, this simple snow crab Legs with garlic butter comes together quickly and easily. I’ll show you how easy it is to make baked crab legs for your holiday dinner, date night or simple lenten meal.

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Do you love crab legs, but are not quite sure how to make them? No problem! I’ve got the step by step instructions on How to Bake Crab Legs. Baking crab legs is not only simple, it’s a really great way to infuse some delicious flavor into the crab with minimal effort.

Snow crab legs look impressive on the table but they’re genuinely one of the easiest seafood dinners you can make at home. I’ve made these dozens of times – for date nights, New Year’s Eve, a lenten dinner, and just because fresh crab was on sale. The oven method is consistently the most foolproof way to get tender, flavorful crab every time.

Does your family love seafood during the holidays or during lent? One of the many reasons I love crab is the fact that it can be as fancy or as informal as you want it to be.  Perfect for a formal holiday party or dinner, crab is always a showstopper. However, for my family, it’s more of a casual sit-around-the-table and dig-in kind of affair. 

What to Look for When Buying Crab Legs:

Generally speaking, when you’re looking to buy crab legs, you should prioritize frozen-at-sea, bright colored, firm shells with a clean ocean sent. Avoid anything with broken shells, anything that smells “fishy” or like ammonia and a slight gray discoloration. These things indicate poor quality and age.

Additionally, avoid excessive ice in a package which indicates the crab has been frozen, thawed, then refrozen.

Here are the things to look for when buying crab legs:

• Appearance and color: Look for bright, vibrant, and shiny shells. Avoid shells that are grayish or have dark spots, which indicate improper storage or old age.
• Scent: Fresh crab should smell like the ocean or be slightly salty; steer clear of any “fishy” or ammonia smell.
• Texture: The shells should be firm and not excessively icy, which indicates freezer burn or the crab being thawed then refrozen.
• Weight: The legs should feel heavy for their size, indicating a high meat-to-shell ratio.
• Freezing: Most crab is “flash-cooked” on the boat to preserve freshness. Look for frozen-at-sea options, which tend to be the highest quality.

Why the oven works the best for crab legs

The oven is one of the best ways to make crab legs because the dry heat concentrates the natural sweetness of the crab, the butter baste gets into the shell, you have more control over timing.

Additionally, roasting on a flat sheet pan allows even cooking, whereas boiling in a stock pot is sometimes inconsistent, and hard to control the heat. Also, most people don’t have access to a stock pot that is large enough to accomodate large crab legs.

What Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Oven Roasted Crab Legs

The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need much to make these sweet, delicious snow crab legs turn out amazing.

• Snow Crab Legs – this recipe will also work for other types of crab legs, including Alaskan King crab, Dungeness, Blue Crab and Stone Crab.
• Minced Garlic – feel free to use jarred minced garlic or peel and mince fresh cloves of garlic.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning – this spice mix can be found in the spice section at your local grocery store.
• Butter – feel free to use either salted or unsalted butter. I prefer to use salted butter, as this is what I primarily buy.
• Lemons – you want a few lemons on hand for fresh lemon juice for serving.

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!

How much crab should I buy per person?

When planning for a holiday dinner, you’ll want to know how many people are attending. Buy approximately one to one and a half pounds per person as a main course.

How to Prepare Crab Legs to Bake in the Oven

How to Thaw Frozen Crab Legs

You can thaw the crab legs a couple of ways; either thaw in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours (recommended), or place under running water until no longer frozen. I personally keep the crab in their plastic bag and place in the sink with warm water – not hot water. This will speed up the thawing process.

Can you cook frozen snow crab legs without thawing?

Yes, you can cook frozen snow crab legs without thawing if you’re in a pinch, however, if you have the time, I highly recommend thawing. In my testing, baking frozen crab results in inconsistent texture and it is hard to guage when its done. I highly recommend thawing the crab before cooking.

In a pinch, or a situation where you’re tight on time, Bake frozen crab legs by preheating the oven to 400°F, rinsing them to remove ice, and placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Add 1/4 cup water to the pan, and season the crab legs with the butter, garlic and seasoning. Cover tightly with foil, so the crab can thaw and steam inside the foil. Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through.

What pan is best for oven roasted crab legs

Once thawed, you’ll then place the crab legs on a shallow baking sheet that has been lined with foil. Using a large rimmend sheet pan will work the best. I don’t recommend using a cookie sheet that doesn’t have a rim, as you will need to contain the melted butter and other juices.

I recommend lining your pan with foil, as this really helps with clean up. The butter, garlic and juices can make clean-up rather messy, so the use of lining your pan with foil is really helpful.

Should I cover the crab with foil?

No, I don’t recommend covering the crab with foil. Having the crab in open heat will help the crab cook evenly and base with the butter and garlic.

Seasoning the Crab with Lemon, Garlic, Butter and Seasoning

Once you’ve got the thawed crab on the lined pan, season start by squeezing the juice of one lemon over the top of the crab. Next, sprinkle with the minced garlic and then top with butter cut into small chunks, and place over the top of the crab. Lastly, sprinkle with the lemon pepper seasoning.

Other seasoning options: instead of lemon pepper, you could definitely substite with Old Bay seasoning, which is fantastic on crab. I like to use this seasoning on my Old Bay Crab Cakes. Another option is creole seasoning or keep it very simple with just salt and pepper.

How long do you bake snow crab legs in the oven?

After quite a bit of testing and experimentation, I discovered roasting the crab at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time, will result in the best texture and flavor.

Because many frozen Snow crab is already pre-cooked, you’ll only need to heat the crab through. It won’t need long to bake. Bakinig it for too long will result in chewy or rubbery crab texture.

What temperature should snow crab legs be cooked at?

For Pre-cooked Crab: Bake at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to reheat the crab.

For Raw, Uncooked Crab: Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

How do you know when snow crab legs are done?

You will know that your snow crab legs are done cooking when they turn a bright orange-red color. The meat will be a pearly white color, instead of being opaque. They will smell sweet and fragrant.

In just a few minutes, you’ll have the most amazing, sweet and savory crab legs. Perfect for your holiday party or dinner, these crab legs come together with minimal ingredients.

Dipping Sauces to Serve with Baked Crab Legs

Serve your baked crab legs on a platter with additional lemon wedges for fresh squeezed juice. Here are some other dipping sauce ideas:

• Drawn butter
• Homemade Cocktail Sauce by Weekday Pescatarian
• Parmesan Ranch Dipping Sauce – which would be a similar, slightly elevated version of Tartar sauce.

Need a great side dish to go with your crab legs? Here are some of our favorite side dish recipes:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans
• Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
• Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Rainbow Carrots
• Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic Herb Roasted Red Potatoes
• Healthy Green Bean Casserole
• Roasted Butternut Squash Medley
• Slow Cooker Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Check out these other holiday dinner recipes:

• How to Cook a Costco Spiral Ham
• Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
• Apple Cider Turkey Brine
• How to Dry Brine A Turkey
• How to Cook A Moist Turkey
• Garlic Herb Roast Beef

If you loved these delicious Baked Crab Legs, check out some of my other easy seafood dinner ideas:

• Sheet Pan Citrus Salmon and Asparagus
• Sheet Pan Sweet & Sour Shrimp
• Lobster Mac & Cheese
• Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Pomodoro
• Shrimp Rossini Pasta
• Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
• Lemon Pepper Shrimp with Vegetables
• Pasta with Scallops and Pesto

What people are saying about this easy baked snow crab legs recipe:

“I totally mastered this recipe! The first time I steamed crab legs was a total miss. Thank you for showing me a greater way, (no watery boil). The seasoning was perfect, my niece and hubby loved it.” – Kenny

“These baked crab legs are the best ever and super easy. I am so happy I printed the recipe off. My husband and I love them and he talks about the wonderful flavor every time I bake them.” Trish M.

“This was absolutely delicious and so easy to make, perfect for a special meal at home.
Loved the clear steps and tips, thanks for sharing this tasty recipe. -Sofia C.

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Easy Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs with Garlic Butter

Erin Indahl-Fink

Want to know how to make Snow Crab Legs in the oven? With just 5 ingredients from ALDI, this simple Oven Baked Snow Crab Legs recipe comes together quickly and easily. Perfect for your holiday parties and dinners!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Remove Ads Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Dinner/Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 222 kcal

Equipment

• Sheet Pan These USA stainless steel sheet pans are great for one-pan meals!
• Citrus Juicer This hand-held citrus juicer is fantastic for fresh lime and lemon juice. Great for making cocktails!
• Crab Cracking Tools Makes removing the sweet crab meet from the outer shell a breeze!

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 (24 oz. pkg.) Snow crab legs
• 2 lemons 1 for juice, other for serving
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced
• 1/2 cup butter 1/4 c. for crab, 1/4 c. for serving
• 1 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a shallow, rimmed sheet pan with foil.
• Place thawed crab legs evenly onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with the juice of 1 lemon and the minced garlic. Cut up 1/4 c. (4 Tbsp.) of butter into small pieces, and place evenly on top of crab legs. Lastly, evenly sprinkle the crab legs with the lemon pepper.

For Pre-Cooked Crab Legs (noted on packaging):

• Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.

For Raw, Uncooked Crab Legs:

• Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
• Serve right away while warm with additional lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping.

Notes

My go-to sheet pan: USA Pans Stainless Steel Non-Stick Sheet Pan which is perfect for baking these crab legs. It's durable, easy to clean and is made in the USA!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 538mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Keyword crab legs in oven, oven baked crab legs, baked crab legs, baked snow crab

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