How to Tell When Crab Legs Are Perfectly Cooked

Cracking open a cooked crab leg and feasting on the sweet, tender meat inside is one of life’s greatest culinary pleasures. But undercooked or overcooked crab can be disappointing. With crab’s delicate texture, it’s important to get the cooking just right. So how do you know when crab legs are cooked to tender, mouthwatering perfection? Follow this guide to learn the foolproof methods for ensuring your crab legs come out done to a tee.

Are Store-Bought Crab Legs Already Cooked?

Before diving into cooking methods, it’s important to know that virtually all crab legs sold commercially are fully cooked before sale. This includes crab legs bought:

• At the fish counter or freezer section of grocery stores
• Pre-packaged at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club
• From online seafood retailers or meal kit services

The crab is cooked right on the fishing boats or shortly after being brought to shore. So commercially sold crab legs, whether chilled or frozen just need to be reheated. You’ll never find raw crab legs sold in stores.

Here are signs the crab legs you purchased are pre-cooked

• The shell is white or pinkish-red, not greenish-brown.
• The package states “fully cooked” or “previously frozen.”
• The retailer confirms the legs are cooked.

This prep work makes the job of cooking crab legs at home much easier!

Reheating Methods for Pre-Cooked Crab

Since store-bought crab legs are already cooked, the goal is just to reheat them until the meat inside is hot and steaming. Avoid overcooking, which can make the meat tough.

Popular reheating methods include:

• Boiling: Immerse legs in boiling, salted water for 4-5 minutes.
• Steaming: Steam over simmering water for 5-7 minutes.
• Grilling: Grill legs for 3-4 minutes per side.
• Broiling: Broil 4-5 minutes per side.

Adjust times based on the size of your crab legs. Larger king crab legs may need a minute or two longer than small snow crab legs. Check for doneness early to prevent overcooking.

How to Tell When Crab Legs Are Done

Because crab legs are already cooked, you can’t rely on the usual visual cues like color change. Instead, use these methods to test for doneness:

• Temperature check: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a leg. It should reach 165°F.
• Look for hot steam: Crack open a leg after reheating. It should release hot steam.
• Check inside: Open a leg and check that the meat inside is piping hot.
• Smell the aroma: You should notice a bright, briny seafood smell when done.
• Listen for cracking: The shells will start gently cracking as they heat and expand.
• Time it: Adhere precisely to reheating times based on the method.
• When in doubt, cut open: It’s better to risk drying out one piece than undercooking the entire batch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these tips to prevent undercooked or overcooked crab legs:

• Don’t cook too long: It takes just 4-5 minutes to reheat pre-cooked legs. Overcooking makes meat rubbery.
• Avoid room temperature thawing: Thaw frozen legs overnight in the fridge, not on the counter.
• Preheat cooking devices: Ensure boiling water, steamer, grill, and broiler are hot before adding legs.
• Flip halfway: Grilled or broiled legs need 2-3 minutes per side.
• Individualize cooking: Remove larger legs as they finish instead of group cooking.
• Watch like a hawk: Check often for doneness instead of walking away.

With these insider tips on determining crab leg doneness, you’ll be a pro at perfectly reheating those pre-cooked crab legs every time. Now get cracking!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook previously frozen crab legs?

Previously frozen crab legs only need to be reheated for 4-5 minutes. The key is bringing them up to temperature without overcooking the already cooked meat.

What are signs my crab legs are done?

Signs include hot steam releasing when cracked open, meat thermometer reading 165°F, piping hot meat inside, bright seafood aroma, gently cracking shells, and adhering to recommended reheating times.

Can I reheat crab legs straight from frozen?

It’s best to thaw frozen crab legs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Thawing brings them closer to a safe final serving temperature and prevents overcooking the exterior before the inside thaws.

Should I add seasonings when reheating crab legs?

Simple is best – salt, pepper, lemon, and melted butter are perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of crab meat. Avoid heavy seasonings that will overpower the delicate crab flavor.

What are the best cooking methods for reheating crab legs?

Boiling, steaming, grilling/broiling are all excellent choices. Boiling infuses flavor into the meat, steaming prevents drying out, grilling adds char, and broiling is quick. Avoid microwaving which can create rubbery meat.

How do I prevent undercooked crab legs?

Check for doneness early and often. Adhere to recommended cook times. Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F temperature. Cut into a leg early to test – better to sacrifice one than undercook the whole batch.

What causes crab meat to become tough when reheating?

Overcooking is the culprit. Crab meat has a delicate texture that toughens and becomes rubbery when cooked too long or at too high of heat. Keep reheating gentle and brief.

Can I reheat and eat crab legs more than once?

Only reheat thawed or cooked crab legs once. The texture and moisture will deteriorate with multiple reheatings. Eat any uneaten portions chilled within a couple days.

Is there a way to rescue overcooked crab legs?

Unfortunately once crab is overcooked, there’s no way to reverse it. The best option is to remove any uncooked legs before they overcook too. Pick out any remaining tender meat pieces from the overcooked parts.

Reheating and serving tender, juicy crab legs is easy with the proper techniques. Always start with high-quality pre-cooked legs, use gentle reheating methods, and test doneness frequently. In no time, you’ll be a crab leg reheating pro. Now get out your shell crackers and enjoy!