Butter-Baked Crab Legs: A Seafood Delight

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the crab legs:
If the crab legs are frozen, thaw them completely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a few minutes.
Use kitchen scissors to cut the crab shells lengthwise, creating small slits so the butter can seep in. You can also leave the shells whole if preferred, but cutting them helps the butter penetrate the meat.

Make the garlic butter sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Coat the crab legs:
Place the crab legs on the prepared baking sheet. Using a spoon or brush, generously coat the crab legs with the garlic butter sauce, making sure to cover all the exposed meat.
Reserve a bit of the butter sauce for drizzling when serving.

Bake the crab legs:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through and the butter is bubbly and golden.

Serve:
Once baked, remove the crab legs from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the crab meat for extra flavor. Enjoy with a side of your favorite vegetables or a light salad.

Serving and Storage Tips: