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Spicy Butter-Poached Snow Crab Legs

Bright orange Spicy Butter-Poached Snow Crab Legs glistening in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce topped with fresh parsley.
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Cook tender snow crab legs using a rich butter poaching method infused with cayenne and chili for intense, zesty flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs snow crab clusters, thawed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or water
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Thaw the snow crab clusters completely under cold running water or in the refrigerator overnight. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper to the melted butter. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Pour in the white wine or water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates your poaching liquid.
  5. Carefully place the snow crab clusters into the simmering butter mixture. They should be mostly submerged.
  6. Cover the skillet tightly. Reduce the heat to low and poach the crab for 6 to 8 minutes, turning the clusters halfway through cooking. The crab is done when the meat is opaque and heated through.
  7. Remove the crab clusters from the liquid using tongs and arrange them on a serving platter.
  8. Drizzle the remaining spicy butter sauce over the crab. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the poaching liquid during the last two minutes of cooking.
  • If you prefer a less intense spice level, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon.
  • Serve with extra melted butter mixed with lemon juice for dipping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/spicy-butter-poached-snow-crab-legs/