How Long to Microwave Crab Legs: A Simple Guide

Crab legs are a delicious treat that many seafood lovers enjoy. However, cooking them can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never made them at home before. Thankfully, microwaving crab legs is actually a quick and easy cooking method. In this article, we’ll provide a simple guide on how long to microwave crab legs so you can enjoy this tasty seafood at home.

Overview of Cooking Crab Legs in the Microwave

The microwave offers a fast and straightforward way to cook crab legs. Most crab legs sold in stores are already pre-cooked and simply need to be reheated. The microwave steams the crab legs, heating them through while keeping them moist and tender.

Here’s a quick rundown of the basic microwave method

• Thaw frozen crab legs in the refrigerator overnight if needed
• Arrange legs in a microwave-safe dish and add a little water
• Cover the dish to trap in steam
• Microwave for a few minutes, checking often
• Continue cooking in short bursts until heated through
• Allow to rest before serving

It’s that simple! Now let’s look at how long different types of crab legs take to microwave

Cooking Times for Various Crab Legs

Microwaving times can vary based on the size and type of crab legs. Here are general guidelines:

Snow Crab Legs

• 1-2 minutes per pair of legs
• 5-7 minutes total for 1 pound

Snow crab legs are smaller and thinner than other varieties. Take care not to overcook them.

King Crab Legs

• 3-4 minutes per leg
• 9-12 minutes total for 1 pound

King crab legs are thicker and meatier. The extra time ensures they heat through.

Dungeness Crab Legs

• 2-3 minutes per cluster of legs
• 8-10 minutes total for 1 pound

Dungeness legs tend to be sold in clusters, requiring a bit more time than snow crab.

Stone Crab Claws

• 2-3 minutes per pair of claws
• 6-9 minutes total for 1 pound

The dense claws heat slower than legs. Monitor carefully to prevent overcooking.

Use these guidelines as a starting point, then adjust cooking times as needed based on your specific microwave wattage, the size of the particular legs, and your desired doneness. It’s always best to check for doneness and add extra time in short increments.

Microwaving Tips for Perfect Results

Following a few simple tips will ensure your microwaved crab turns out moist and tender every time:

• Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid or vented plastic wrap. The cover traps in steam to prevent the crab meat from drying out.

• Add a splash of water before microwaving. The water creates steam to cook the legs evenly.

• Arrange legs in a single layer so microwaves can penetrate effectively. Avoid overcrowding.

• Microwave at high power for best results. Lower power can lead to undercooked spots.

• Check often and cook in short 1-minute bursts once the crab is partially heated. This prevents overcooking.

• Allow to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. The residual heat will finish the cooking.

How to Tell When Crab Legs Are Done

It’s important to identify when your crab legs are fully cooked. Here are a few doneness cues to look for:

• The meat should be pearly white or opaque throughout, not translucent.

• Flake a section with a fork. The meat should pull away easily.

• A thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F.

• The leg segments separate easily at the joints.

• The shell turns bright red/orange compared to the raw purplish hue.

Once you notice these signs, your crab is ready to enjoy! Be careful not to overcook the crab or it can become rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Microwaved crab legs make an easy entree, but don’t forget the accoutrements! Here are some tasty ways to serve your crab:

• Melted butter for dipping
• Lemon wedges
• Homemade cocktail sauce
• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley
• Crusty bread to soak up juices
• Roasted vegetables or rice as a side dish

Feel free to get creative with spices, sauces, or specialty butters to complement the simple flavors of the crab. A chilled white wine makes the perfect pairing.

Quick and Delicious Crab Leg Meals

Microwaving enables you to get crab leg dinners on the table in under 15 minutes. Here are some fast and easy meal ideas:

• Crab legs with garlic butter, roasted asparagus, and rice
• Crab leg salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, avocado, and lemon vinaigrette
• Crab leg sandwiches on toasted brioche with coleslaw and Remoulade sauce
• Crab leg pasta tossed with linguine, white wine, parsley, and Parmesan
• Crab leg appetizer platter with drawn butter, lemons, and cocktail sauce for dipping

You really can’t go wrong when you start with tender, sweet crab legs straight from the microwave.

The Takeaway

Cooking crab legs doesn’t need to be intimidating or time consuming. The microwave offers a quick and easy method for steaming crab legs right at home. Follow the basic technique and recommended cook times in this guide for tender, juicy crab legs in minutes. Just remember to use sufficient water, cook in short bursts, and always verify doneness before serving. Soon you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality crab easily made at home. Get ready to impress family and friends with your crab leg cooking skills!

To reheat crab legs, the best methods are steaming or baking. Steaming is preferred for its ability to keep the meat moist and tender, while baking provides a slightly crispy exterior.