Spicy Peppered Crab Legs Recipe

Name: Spicy Peppered Crab Legs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 pounds Alaskan king or snow crab legs, thawed if frozen; Freshly ground pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 stick unsalted butter, cubed; 6 cloves garlic, chopped; 10 thin slices peeled ginger; 8 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces; 4 red jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; White rice, for serving

Servings: persons

3 pounds Alaskan king or snow crab legs, thawed if frozen
Freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 stick unsalted butter, cubed
6 cloves garlic, chopped
10 thin slices peeled ginger
8 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 red jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
White rice, for serving

1
Cut the crab legs into 3-inch pieces with kitchen shears.
2
Cut along one side of the shell on each piece so the meat can be easily removed after cooking.
3
Place the remaining ingredients by the stove.
4
Toast 2 tablespoons pepper in a small skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes; remove from the heat.
5
Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until sizzling (you can also set a roasting pan over two burners).
6
Add the garlic, ginger, scallions and jalapenos; sprinkle with the sugar and cook, stirring, until the mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute.
7
Add the crab pieces, oyster sauce and soy sauce.
8
Cook, tossing, until heated through, about 5 minutes.
9
Scatter the toasted pepper on top and continue to cook, tossing, about 1 more minute.
10
Transfer the crab and sauce to a bowl.
11
Serve with rice.
12
Photograph by Roland Bello

520

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 pounds Alaskan king or snow crab legs, thawed if frozen, Freshly ground pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 stick unsalted butter, cubed, and more.

Yes, Spicy Peppered Crab Legs falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Spicy Peppered Crab Legs

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions