King crab legs are a delicious and impressive seafood dish. Their large size and bright red color make them a stunning centerpiece for any meal. While king crab legs may look intimidating to prepare, they are actually quite easy to cook at home. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy tender, succulent king crab in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- King crab legs, frozen or thawed
- Melted butter, for dipping
- Lemon wedges
- Old Bay seasoning or other crab seasoning (optional)
Necessary Equipment
- Large pot
- Steam basket or rack
- Kitchen shears or crab crackers
- Serving platter
Thawing the Crab Legs
- If working with frozen crab legs, you’ll first need to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Place the frozen legs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
- You can also thaw them in a large bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Thawing should take 1-2 hours.
- Once thawed, the king crab legs are ready to cook.
Steaming the Crab Legs
Steaming is a simple, foolproof way to cook king crab legs at home It cooks them gently while keeping them moist and tender
- Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Place a steamer basket or rack in the pot.
- Arrange the crab legs in a single layer in the basket.
- Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and steam the crab legs for 8-10 minutes, until bright red and opaque.
The crab legs are fully cooked once the meat is opaque and separates easily from the shell. Be careful not to overcook them.
Baking the Crab Legs
Baking is another excellent way to prepare king crab legs at home. It creates a milder, more delicate crab flavor.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place crab legs on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Pour 1⁄4 inch of water into the bottom of the baking sheet.
- Lightly sprinkle crab legs with Old Bay seasoning or other crab seasoning, if desired.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Check for doneness after 10 minutes. The crab meat should be opaque and flaky when done.
Microwaving the Crab Legs
Microwaving is the fastest, easiest way to cook king crab legs at home. It provides convenience but won’t give quite as much flavor.
- Arrange legs in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes per leg, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness every 30 seconds after initial cook time.
Microwaved crab legs will never have the same depth of flavor as steamed or baked, but take a fraction of the time.
Finishing Steps for Cooked Crab Legs
Once cooked using any of these methods, there are just a few quick steps before enjoying your crab legs.
- Use kitchen shears to cut through the bottom shell.
- Crack open the legs and remove the meat.
- Serve crab meat warm with melted butter, lemon wedges, and seasoning.
The body meat can be removed from the top shell by cracking it open with crab crackers or a small hammer. Don’t forget the delicious meat hiding in the tips of the legs!
Storing Leftover Crab Legs
Any leftover crab meat should be consumed within 1-2 days
- Allow cooked meat to cool completely, then pick it from the shells.
- Place picked meat in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Use for crab sandwiches, crab cakes, or toss with pasta or salad.
The shells can be discarded or used to make seafood stock.
Common Questions about Cooking Crab Legs
How long should I steam king crab legs?
Steam king crab legs for 8-10 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and heated all the way through. Check for doneness by looking for an opaque color and easily separated meat.
Should I thaw frozen crab legs before cooking?
Yes, it’s best to thaw frozen crab legs completely before attempting to cook them. Thawing ensures they will cook evenly. Try thawing in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water for 1-2 hours.
What temperature should I bake crab legs at?
Preheat your oven to 375°F when baking king crab legs. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
What should I serve with king crab legs?
King crab is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with melted butter, lemon wedges, roasted asparagus, garlic bread, baked potatoes, or rice pilaf.
How can I reheat leftover crab legs?
To reheat cooked king crab legs, arrange them on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat gently in a steamer pot.
How can I tell when crab legs are bad?
Signs that crab has gone bad include a fishy odor, mushy meat texture, or a grey color. Fresh king crab has a mild ocean aroma and bright red meat. Discard any crab legs that appear or smell spoiled.
Enjoy Your Homemade King Crab Feast
Cooking king crab legs at home is simple and so rewarding. In less than 15 minutes, you can have restaurant-quality crab ready to enjoy as an appetizer or entree. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite way to serve this luxurious seafood. Just follow these easy steps for tender, juicy king crab legs straight from your own kitchen.
How to Prepare King Crab Legs
