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Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs served with garlic butter and lemon wedges

dungeness crab legs

This recipe for Dungeness Crab Legs features steamed crab legs served with garlic butter and lemon wedges, offering a simple, flavorful, and tender seafood dish. It's a perfect choice for seafood lovers, ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, mailn course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2-4 Dungeness Crab Legs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the crab legs: If using frozen Dungeness Crab Legs, thaw them by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a few minutes.
  • Steam the crab legs: Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place a steaming rack inside the pot and arrange the crab legs on top. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until the crab is heated through.
  • Make the garlic butter sauce: While the crab is steaming, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then remove from heat.
  • Serve the crab legs: Remove the crab legs from the steamer and transfer to serving plates. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the crab legs and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
  • Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Dungeness Crab Legs with your choice of sides.

Notes

Thawing Frozen Crab Legs: If using frozen Dungeness Crab Legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. Frozen legs may require slightly longer steaming or boiling time.
Enhancing Flavor: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Keyword dungeness crab legs