Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 pounds snow crab legs (or preferred crab), thawed
Seasoning & Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning (plus more for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and clarified)
Instructions
- Prepare seasoned boiling water: Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the salt and Old Bay seasoning to the boiling water, then return it quickly to a boil to infuse the water with flavor.
- Clarify the butter: While the water is heating, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. As it melts, it will begin to foam within about 1 minute. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes so the milk solids can separate and rise to the top. Skim off these milk solids with a spoon to clarify the butter. Pour the clear melted butter into two small dipping bowls.
- Cook the crab legs: Add the thawed crab legs to the boiling seasoned water. Reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the crab legs cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they are fully heated through and fragrant, ensuring they stay tender and juicy.
- Serve immediately: Using tongs, remove the crab legs from the pot carefully. Serve the crab legs hot, sprinkled with additional Old Bay seasoning if desired. Accompany with lemon wedges and the clarified melted butter for dipping to enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness and richness.
Notes
- Thaw frozen crab legs completely before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Skimming the milk solids from the butter ensures a cleaner, more flavorful dipping sauce.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to taste if you prefer more or less spiciness.
- Use tongs to handle hot crab legs safely without breaking the shells.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
