Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (900g) frozen crab legs (snow crab, king crab, or Dungeness)
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc) - optional
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • A few sprigs of fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Add water (and wine, if using), lemon slices, bay leaf, and parsley (if using) to the pot.
  2. Place the crab legs in the steamer basket, ensuring they fit comfortably.
  3. Cover the pot tightly and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and fragrant. They should be steaming hot, but don't overcook or they'll become rubbery.
  4. While the crab is steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Remove the crab legs from the steamer and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle generously with the lemon-garlic butter and serve immediately with crab crackers or kitchen shears.