Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Snow Crab legs, thawed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 large lemon, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Pour 2 cups water into a large pot and add the sliced lemon, smashed garlic, and Old Bay seasoning.
  2. Place a steamer basket into the pot, ensuring the water level is just below the bottom of the basket. Bring to a boil until vigorous steam rises.
  3. Arrange the 2 lbs Snow Crab legs in the basket, overlapping them slightly if needed to fit.
  4. Cover the pot with a tight lid. Steam for 10 minutes until the shells turn bright orange and the aroma is intense.
  5. While the crab steams, melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat.
  6. Add 2 cloves minced garlic to the butter. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon parsley.
  8. Carefully lift the lid (watch the steam!) and check that the meat inside a joint is opaque and steaming hot.
  9. Transfer the legs to a platter. The shells should feel hot and brittle to the touch.
  10. Serve the warm garlic butter in individual ramekins for dipping.