Tree Nut Free Garlic-Style Butter Crab Legs
Steamed snow crab legs bathed in a glossy, garlicky butter sauce feel like a restaurant splurge you can pull off right in your own kitchen. The sauce builds serious depth from garlic-infused oil, dry white wine reduced down to concentrate its flavor, and a finishing hit of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes that gives every bite a gentle, smoky kick. Bright lemon zest and fresh juice cut through the richness of the butter, while scallion tops and flat-leaf parsley keep things fresh and vibrant. Tree nut allergies can make ordering seafood dishes out a bit nerve-wracking, since restaurant kitchens often use nut-based oils or butters in their finishing sauces — here, every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify. The technique of adding butter one tablespoon at a time and swirling the pan is the secret to that silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to every shell. Serve with extra lemon wedges and a stack of napkins, because this one is gloriously messy in the best possible way.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the crab
- 3 lb snow crab legs, thawed if frozen
For the butter sauce
- ¼ cup garlic-infused oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 4 scallion green tops, thinly sliced
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Set a steamer insert or colander above the water. Arrange the crab legs in the steamer in a single layer (work in batches if needed), cover tightly, and steam for 5–6 minutes, until the shells are heated through and the meat is opaque and hot at the thickest joint.
- 2
While the crab steams, heat the garlic-infused oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the scallion green tops and cook, stirring, until softened and bright green, about 1–2 minutes.
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