Steamed Crab Legs with Garlic Butter

King or snow crab legs steamed just until hot, then served with lemon and a warm garlic butter for dipping. Ready in 15 minutes; serves 4.

Naturally gluten-freeKetoLow-carbHigh-proteinNo added sugar

Contains: milk, shellfish. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 5 min
  • Cook 10 min
  • Total 15 min
  • Yield 4 servings
  • Level Easy

Updated

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Platter of steamed king crab legs split open with garlic butter and lemon wedges

Almost all crab legs sold in the United States are cooked and frozen on the boat, so at home they only need to be heated through. A short steam keeps the meat tender and juicy.

A bowl of garlic butter and some lemon wedges are all you need.

Instructions

  1. Steam. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add the crab legs, cover and steam 5 to 7 minutes, until hot.
  2. Garlic butter. Melt the butter with the garlic over low heat 2 minutes and stir in the parsley.
  3. Serve. Serve the crab legs with the garlic butter, lemon wedges and crab crackers or kitchen shears.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

370Calories
<1 gCarbohydrates
0 gFiber
<1 gNet carbs
36 gProtein
24 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

KetoLow-carbHigh-proteinGluten-freeNo added sugar

Tips

  • Thaw frozen crab legs overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Cut the shells lengthwise with kitchen shears for easy eating.

Printable: safe cooking temperatures chart (PDF).

Storage and leftovers

Refrigerate leftover crab meat, out of the shell, up to 2 days and use it cold in salads or crab cakes.

Questions about this recipe

Are crab legs already cooked?
Most are cooked and flash-frozen, so they only need heating.
King crab or snow crab?
King crab legs are larger and meatier; snow crab are sweeter and more affordable.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: an oaked Chardonnay or Champagne. Wine pairing guide

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