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Old Bay Butter Steamed Crab Legs

A plate piled high with bright red Old Bay Butter Steamed Crab Legs glistening in savory butter sauce.
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A simple recipe for steaming crab legs and coating them in a rich, seasoned Old Bay butter sauce for tender, flavorful meat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs crab legs (Snow or King), thawed
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning, divided
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the steamer: Pour 4 cups of water into a large stockpot. Place a steamer basket inside, ensuring the water level is below the basket bottom.
  2. Season the crab: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning evenly over the thawed crab legs.
  3. Steam the crab: Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Place the seasoned crab legs in the steamer basket, cover the pot tightly, and reduce the heat to medium-high. Steam for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the legs, until the crab is heated through.
  4. Make the butter sauce: While the crab steams, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning and the lemon juice.
  5. Serve: Carefully remove the crab legs from the steamer. Arrange them on a platter and immediately brush generously with the Old Bay butter sauce. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use Snow Crab or King Crab legs; steaming time is similar for both when pre-cooked.
  • For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of the Old Bay Seasoning directly to the steaming water.
  • Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/old-bay-butter-steamed-crab-legs/