Perfectly Steamed Snow Crab Legs with Garlic Butter
Sophie Harper
Perfectly Steamed Snow Crab Legs with Garlic Butter is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a special meal. Simply steam snow crab legs for 4-5 minutes, then drizzle with a rich garlic butter sauce made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal
For the Snow Crab Legs:
- 1-2 pounds snow crab legs fresh or frozen
- 2 inches of water for steaming
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Prepare the Steaming Pot: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket or rack over the pot, ensuring the crab legs are above the water level.
Steam the Crab Legs: Add the snow crab legs to the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam for 4-5 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through and the shells are bright red. Avoid overcooking to keep the crab meat tender.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the crab legs are steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Optionally, add fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the steamed crab legs on a serving tray and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
- Freshness Matters: Always use fresh ingredients like garlic and lemon for the best flavor.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: Garlic butter sauce can be made ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.