How Long Can Crab Legs Sit Out? A Guide to Proper Crab Storage

Crab legs are a delicious treat that many people love to indulge in. However, there is some confusion around how long crab legs can safely sit out at room temperature Improper storage of crab legs can lead to dangerous bacterial growth, so it’s important to understand proper crab leg storage guidelines

An Overview of Crab Legs

Crab legs come from crabs that are caught either in the ocean or in fresh water Popular varieties like King crab, Snow crab, and Dungeness crab have legs that contain lumps of sweet, tender crab meat. Crab legs are cooked on fishing boats right after being caught or are processed and sold raw or pre-cooked.

Crab legs are perishable and need to be stored properly to prevent bacterial growth. They are handled just like raw chicken or other raw meats in terms of refrigeration and freezing. The specific storage times depend on whether the crab legs are raw or cooked.

How Long Can Raw Crab Legs Sit Out?

Raw crab legs that have not been cooked should never sit out at room temperature. Raw crab contains bacteria that can quickly multiply in warm environments.

The USDA [United States Department of Agriculture] recommends storing raw crab legs for no more than 2 hours at room temperature when preparing them for cooking. Once that 2 hour mark hits, the raw crab legs should be cooked immediately or refrigerated.

When refrigerated, raw crab legs can be stored for 1-2 days maximum. For longer storage, raw crab legs should be frozen as soon as possible after being caught or processed. Raw crab legs that have been frozen can be stored for 3-6 months in the freezer.

Always thaw frozen raw crab legs in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Once thawed, they should be cooked as soon as possible. Leaving raw crab legs to thaw on the counter allows bacteria to multiply rapidly.

How Long Do Pre-Cooked Crab Legs Last Out?

For pre-cooked crab legs that have already been processed and pasteurized by a manufacturer, the shelf life is a bit longer than for raw crab. However, pre-cooked crab legs still need proper refrigeration to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The FDA [Food and Drug Administration] recommends refrigerating pre-cooked crab legs within 2 hours of cooking if they have been heated to an internal temperature of 165°F. If the pre-cooked crab legs have not reached that safe 165°F temperature, they should be refrigerated within just 1 hour of cooking.

When properly refrigerated, pre-cooked pasteurized crab legs that were heated to 165°F have a shelf life of 3-4 days. If the package directions specify a different refrigerator shelf life, follow that instead.

For longer term storage, pre-cooked crab legs should be frozen as soon as possible after purchasing. They can maintain top quality for about 3 months in the freezer according to recommendations from Clemson University.

Thaw frozen pre-cooked crab legs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Do not thaw crab legs on the counter or in hot water, which allows bacteria to multiply.

How to Tell If Crab Legs Have Gone Bad

No matter what type of crab legs you purchased, it’s important to look for signs of spoilage before cooking and eating them. Here are some ways to identify crab legs that have gone bad:

• Slimy texture and mucus-like substance on the meat
• Fishy, ammonia-like smell
• Mold growth
• Discoloration and mealy texture
• Dry, shriveled meat

Crab legs that display any of these characteristics should be discarded. Consuming spoiled crab legs can cause food poisoning with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Refrigerating crab legs properly and using them within the recommended shelf life is the best way to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness.

Proper Storage Summary for Raw and Cooked Crab Legs

To recap, here are the key storage guidelines for raw and pre-cooked crab legs:

• Raw crab legs: Refrigerate for no more than 1-2 days. Freeze for long term storage up to 3-6 months. Never let raw crab legs sit out for more than 2 hours.

• Pre-cooked crab legs: Refrigerate for 3-4 days if heated to 165°F initially. Freeze for storage up to 3 months. Do not leave pre-cooked crab legs out for more than 1-2 hours.

• Thaw frozen crab legs in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Cook immediately after thawing.

• Discard any crab legs that have an off smell, color, or slimy texture. Do not taste questionable crab legs.

Following these recommendations will help make sure your crab legs are safe to eat. Proper refrigeration and freezing prevents bacterial growth that could lead to foodborne illness. Enjoy your delicious crab legs with confidence after storing them carefully.