
Sam’s Club Viral Crab Legs have taken the internet by storm, thanks to their succulent, garlicky, and perfectly spiced flavor. This recipe is all about melting butter, minced garlic, and a mix of aromatic spices, which elevate the natural sweetness of the crab meat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or treating yourself, these crab legs are packed with flavor and are a breeze to make.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, with minimal ingredients
- Spicy, buttery goodness in every bite
- Perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners
- Can easily be customized with your favorite spices
- No need for a seafood boil—just one pan and a bit of magic
What Makes These Crab Legs Special?
Sam’s Club crab legs are already a fan-favorite for their quality, but this recipe truly makes them shine by tossing them in a decadent garlic butter sauce. The Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of brown sugar create a flavor profile that’s smoky, spicy, and a little bit sweet. The addition of hard-boiled eggs adds an unexpected yet delicious touch, absorbing all the garlicky, spicy goodness.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the crab legs—they’re already cooked when you buy them, so you’re just reheating and infusing them with flavor.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- For an extra savory kick, try adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to balance out the richness of the butter.
- If you’re cooking for a crowd, double the recipe and serve with sides like rice, salad, or garlic bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen crab legs?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them before cooking for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe with other seafood?
Absolutely. Shrimp or lobster can easily replace the crab legs in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I know when the crab legs are done?
Since the crab legs are already cooked, you’re just warming them through and letting them absorb the sauce. 5-10 minutes in the butter sauce is sufficient.
Can I make this recipe without Old Bay seasoning?
Yes, if you don’t have Old Bay, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and cayenne pepper to achieve a similar flavor profile.
What should I serve with these crab legs?
These crab legs are great served with a side of buttered corn on the cob, a simple green salad, or garlic bread to soak up all the flavorful butter sauce.
How to Store
Store any leftover crab legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of butter to keep them moist.
How to Freeze
It’s best to freeze the crab legs before cooking, as freezing after cooking can affect texture. If you do freeze cooked crab legs, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
Ingredients
- 1 pack Sam’s Club crab legs (usually about 2 pounds)
- 2 sticks butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Optional:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Extra butter or chicken broth (for additional liquid)
How to Make Sam’s Club Viral Crab Legs
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt the 2 sticks of butter over medium heat.
- Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
- Add the spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, and brown sugar. Mix well to combine and cook for another minute.
- Add crab legs: Place the crab legs in the skillet and drizzle with the butter mixture. If more liquid is needed, add a splash of chicken broth or extra butter.
- Add hard-boiled eggs (optional): If using, add hard-boiled eggs to the skillet and spoon the seasoned butter sauce over them. Let everything cook for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the crab legs are fully coated in the buttery sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra fried onions or fresh parsley for color and crunch.