Keto Garlic Butter Crab Legs (Print Version)

Tender crab legs baked in aromatic garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley and lemon. An easy, impressive 20-minute seafood meal perfect for keto dining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1.5 lbs king crab legs, thawed if frozen

→ Garlic Butter Sauce

02 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ To Serve

09 - 1 large lemon, cut into wedges
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Place the crab legs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon parsley, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Brush the garlic butter generously over the crab legs, reserving a small amount for finishing.
05 - Bake the crab legs for 8-10 minutes until heated through and the butter is bubbling.
06 - Transfer crab legs to a serving platter. Drizzle with reserved garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's elegant enough for company but honestly so simple you could make it on a Tuesday night without stress.
  • The garlic butter is intensely flavorful but the whole dish stays perfectly keto-friendly and won't derail your goals.
  • Cleanup is genuinely easy thanks to the foil-lined pan, which means more time enjoying your food and less time scrubbing.
02 -
  • The garlic can burn in seconds if your heat is too high, so medium is your sweet spot—watch it carefully and you'll notice the exact moment it becomes fragrant.
  • Don't skip the lemon wedges because the acid is what transforms rich butter into something you can eat without feeling weighed down.
03 -
  • If you have time and want extra depth, steam or briefly grill the crab legs before the garlic butter coating—it intensifies the flavor and adds a subtle char.
  • Keep that reserved garlic butter warm in a small ramekin at the table so people can add more as they eat, which is always appreciated.
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