Sheet pan crab legs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy fresh seafood. They are ideal for a big event or a weeknight meal. You can prepare a delicious and healthy dinner in 30 minutes with just a few basic items.
Sheet Pan Crab Legs
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds snow crab legs, thawed if frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet with a rim.
- On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the crab legs.
- Mix olive oil, seafood, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush the olive oil mixture onto the crab legs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crab legs are cooked through.
- Lemon wedges and melted butter should be served immediately.
Sheet Pan Crab Legs
Tips
- If the crab legs are large or frozen you may need to bake a few minutes longer.
- Crab legs should not be overcooked or they will become tough.
- Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce, such as melted butter, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Crab Legs: Melt 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder in a small saucepan. Spread the crab legs with garlic butter before baking.
- Lemon Pepper Crab Legs: Mix 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Brush crab legs with lemon pepper butter before baking.
- Old Bay Crab Legs: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Before baking, spread Old Bay butter on crab legs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the crab legs on a sheet pan with your choice of side, such as rice, spaghetti or roasted vegetables.
- For a full dinner, include a side salad or a cup of soup.
- Serve sheet pan crab legs alongside Champagne or Sauvignon Blanc for a memorable occasion.
Health Benefits of Crab Legs:
Crab legs are a good source of protein, selenium and vitamin B12. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. An essential antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage is selenium. Red blood cell formation and neurological health depend on vitamin B12.
How to Choose the Best Crab Legs:
When picking crabs look for plump and bright red crab legs. Avoid feet with a thin feeling or discoloration.
How to Thaw Crab Legs:
If using frozen, refrigerate the crab legs overnight. Crab legs can be defrosted quickly by soaking them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
How to Cook Sheet Pan Crab Legs:
Crab legs can be boiled, steamed or baked to prepare them. Crab legs can be boiled and cooked very quickly and easily. Place the crab legs in a saucepan of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes or until cooked through. Steaming crab legs option is also a nice one. Place the crab legs in a steamer basket and steam for 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. The most time-consuming method, baking the crab legs, gives the best flavor. Bake the crab legs in an oven preheated to 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through.
How to Eat Sheet Pan Crab Legs:
The shells of crab legs can easily crack by twisting the legs. Next, separate the meat from the shell with a crab pick. Crab legs should not be overcooked otherwise the meat will become tough.
Storage
Cooked crab legs can be refrigerated for up to three days. Crab legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion: Sheet Pan Crab Legs
Crab legs cooked on a sheet pan are a delightful and convenient way to eat fresh seafood. They are ideal for a big event or a weeknight meal. You can prepare a delicious and healthy dinner in 30 minutes with just a few basic items.
Crab legs cooked on a sheet pan are an excellent source of protein, selenium and vitamin B12. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. An essential antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage is selenium. Red blood cell formation and neurological health depend on vitamin B12.
Crab legs cooked in a sheet pan are the ideal seafood dish if you are looking for something tasty, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
FAQs
What type of crab legs should I use?
You can use any type of crab legs in this recipe, but snow crab legs are the most common type used. Snow crab legs are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
How do I know when the crab legs are done?
The crab legs are done when they are heated through and the meat is opaque. Be careful not to overcook the crab legs, or they will become tough.
What are some good dipping sauces for crab legs?
The crab legs are done when they are heated through and the meat is opaque. Be careful not to overcook the crab legs, or they will become tough.
How do I know when the crab legs are done?
The crab legs are done when they are heated through and the meat is opaque. Be careful not to overcook the crab legs, or they will become tough.
Can I store leftover crab legs?
Yes, you can store leftover crab legs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store crab legs, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.