The first time I splurged on king crab legs, it was for a special anniversary dinner at home. I remember unwrapping them from the seafood counter like they were treasure — and honestly, they kind of are. Bright red shells, impossibly long legs, and that sweet, buttery meat tucked inside.

Alaska king crab legs are one of those things that feel fancy but are shockingly easy to make. You don’t need a big steamer or complicated technique — just a few minutes of gentle heat, a side of melted butter, and a little lemon. That’s it.

This recipe brings the taste of an Alaskan seafood feast right to your table. It’s perfect for special occasions, date nights at home, or anytime you just want to treat yourself to something a little decadent… without making it complicated.

Ingredients for Alaska King Crab Legs Recipe

• 2–3 lbs frozen Alaska king crab legs (thawed if frozen)

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional, for garlic butter)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Lemon wedges, for serving

• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Alaska King Crab Legs Recipe

Steaming Method:

1. Thaw if needed. If your crab legs are frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or run under cold water until softened.

2. Prepare the steamer. Add a couple inches of water to a large pot with a steamer insert or metal rack. Bring to a boil.

3. Steam the crab legs. Place crab legs in the steamer basket and cover. Steam for 6–8 minutes, or until heated through and fragrant.

Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic (if using) and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice.

2. Serve crab legs hot with warm garlic butter and lemon wedges on the side.

Sarah’s Simple Tips

• Use kitchen shears to cut along the shells — it’s much easier than cracking.

• Don’t overcook. King crab legs are usually pre-cooked — you just need to heat them through.

• Make it a meal. Serve with roasted potatoes, a salad, and crusty bread to soak up all that butter.

Flavorful Conclusion

Alaska king crab legs feel like a restaurant-quality meal, but they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want to make an ordinary dinner feel a little more special, this recipe brings simple luxury to your table — one buttery bite at a time.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Calories: 420
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 44g
Sodium: 980mg