Buttery Garlic Fried King Crab Legs 🦀🧈🔥
Succulent king crab legs pan-fried in a rich garlic butter sauce—luxuriously crispy on the outside, sweet and tender inside!
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
- 2 lbs (900g) king crab legs (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun spice)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Prep the Crab Legs
- Cut crab legs: Use kitchen shears to slice through the shell at joints (or crack slightly with a mallet for easier eating).
- Pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy frying.
2. Make Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear crab legs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
- Drizzle with garlic butter, tossing to coat. Garnish with parsley.
4. Serve
- Plate with extra butter sauce, lemon wedges, and crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips:
- For extra crunch: Dust legs with 1 tbsp flour before frying.
- Spicy kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the butter.
- Grill option: Brush with butter and grill 4-5 mins per side for smoky flavor.
This dish is restaurant-worthy yet effortless—ideal for seafood lovers! Pair with a crisp white wine. 🥂
Want indulgence? Serve with truffle butter instead of garlic butter! 🍄✨