When buying frozen crab legs, you may wonder what exactly to do with them once you get them home. Frozen crab legs can be steamed, boiled or heated in the microwave oven. These methods, however, may leave your crab meat either soggy or dried out. Splitting the legs open, drizzling them in sauce and broiling them will almost guarantee moist, tender crab meat. Split crab legs are also easier to eat than whole legs, making a better choice for guests.
Step 1
Prepare garlic butter dipping sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic to the butter and saute the garlic until it is translucent. Stir in the parsley and pepper. Turn the heat on low and let it simmer until the crab is ready.
Step 2
Place the frozen crab legs in a large colander. Run cold water over the legs to thaw them. Thaw under cold running water for about five minutes, or until the legs bend easily at the joints. Pat the legs dry with paper towels.
Step 3
Preheat the oven broiler. Break each crab leg apart at every joint. Split each crab leg section length-wise from joint to joint on the soft, lighter colored side of the crab leg using sharp kitchen shears and a small, sharpened paring knife.
Step 4
Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Place the crab legs, cut side up, on the lined baking sheet.
Step 5
Stir together the butter, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, parsley and basil in a small bowl. Brush the butter mixture over the crab legs.
Step 6
Place the crab under the broiler three to six inches from the heat. Broil for three to four minutes, or until heated through. Serve immediately with the garlic butter.
Tips and Warnings
- Broiled crab legs cook quickly and are best served immediately. Have your side dishes ready before you cook the crab. Serve with a crisp green salad, rice pilaf and white wine.
Things You'll Need
- Crab:
- Large colander
- Paper towels
- Kitchen shears
- Small paring knife
- Baking sheet
- Tin foil
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Basting brush
- 1 lb. frozen crab legs
- 4 tbsp. melted butter
- Juice from half of large lemon
- 1/2 tbsp. Old Bay brand seasoning
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
- Garlic Butter:
- Small saucepan
- Spoon
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 clove finely chopped garlic
- 1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
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