Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking crab legs without drying them out.
- Prepare the Crab Legs: If your crab legs are whole, you might need to cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces. Use kitchen scissors to cut the shell and expose the crab meat slightly. This will allow the flavors of your butter mixture to seep into the meat.
- Make the Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant but not browned. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the crab legs in a single layer in a large baking dish. Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the crab legs, making sure some of it gets into the shells to the meat.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crab is thoroughly heated and the meat is tender.
- Serve: Remove the crab legs from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Pour any remaining butter from the baking dish over the crab. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the crab.
Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Baked King Crab pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t overshadow the crab’s flavor. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or garlic bread.
- Buying Tips: When purchasing King crab legs, look for ones that feel heavy for their size, which indicates a good amount of meat inside. If they’re pre-cooked (as most are), they should have a bright red shell.
Enjoy your luxurious and delicious Baked King Crab, a dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you!