Alaskan king crab legs are a delicacy enjoyed by seafood lovers across the world. Their sweet succulent meat and large size make them a special treat. However, to get the best out of your king crab legs, it’s important to know how long to cook them. Overcooking will dry out the meat while undercooking will leave it tough. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long you should cook your king crab legs.
What is Alaskan King Crab?
- Native to the cold waters of the Bering Sea near Alaska
- Largest species of crab in the world
- Named for their immense size – can reach up to 10 pounds!
- Highly prized for their thick, tender and sweet meat
- Sold pre-cooked and frozen to retain freshness
Alaskan king crab is delicious, but their large claws and legs need to be cooked properly to achieve the perfect texture Keep reading to find out how long you should cook frozen king crab legs
Thawing Frozen King Crab Legs
- King crab legs are sold pre-cooked and frozen for freshness
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours
- Place legs on a pan or plate to catch drips
- Thawing prevents cracking or overcooking when reheating
It’s important to thaw frozen king crab legs thoroughly before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the meat from drying out.
How to Tell When King Crab is Done
- Look for an opaque, white color throughout
- Meat should start flaking and separating from the shell
- Inner temperature reaches 140-165°F
- Legs appear slightly curled when fully cooked
- Aroma becomes more pronounced
The easiest way to test doneness is by checking the inner temperature with a meat thermometer. Ideally it should reach 140-165°F. Also look for visual signs like flaking meat and curled legs.
Recommended Cooking Times
Steaming
- 6-10 minutes
Boiling
- 6 minutes
Grilling
- 5 minutes each side
Baking
- 8-10 minutes at 350°F
These cooking times are for legs that have been thoroughly thawed. Adjust time accordingly if cooking from fully frozen. But avoid going over 10 minutes total cook time.
Cooking Methods for King Crab Legs
There are several easy methods for cooking thawed king crab legs.
Steaming
- Bring water to a boil in a pot
- Place legs in a colander or steamer basket over the water
- Cover and steam for 6-10 minutes
- The most common and easiest cooking method
Steaming is a simple, foolproof way to cook king crab legs to tender perfection.
Boiling
- Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot
- Add king crab legs and boil gently for 6 minutes
- Drain before serving
Boiling works well but can occasionally overcook the crab if boiled too long.
Grilling
- Oil legs lightly to prevent sticking
- Grill on high heat for 5 minutes per side
- Adds nice charred flavor
Grilling brings out a lovely smoky flavor in the crab. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Baking
- Heat oven to 350°F
- Place legs in baking dish with a bit of water
- Cover tightly with foil
- Bake 8-10 minutes
Baking lets you infuse more flavor into the crab with garlic, lemon or herbs.
Microwaving
- Not recommended
- Often leads to uneven cooking
For best results, avoid microwaving thawed king crab legs. The meat tends to cook unevenly.
Serving Suggestions
King crab legs taste amazing on their own or dipped in:
- Melted butter – classic!
- Lemon garlic butter
- Cocktail sauce
- Aioli
- Mustard sauce
- Green goddess dressing
Some tasty side dishes that pair well with king crab include:
- Garlic bread
- Rice pilaf
- Asparagus
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
With proper thawing and reheating, Alaskan king crab legs make for an incredible gourmet meal. Follow these guidelines on how long to cook them, and enjoy this luxurious delicacy to the fullest. Just be ready for some serious cracking and picking – the rich rewards inside are well worth the effort.
Serving Suggestions: Making the Meal Memorable
- Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Melt butter with minced garlic and lemon juice.
- Spicy Aioli: Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and a splash of lime juice.
- Herb Mayonnaise: Combine mayo with fresh dill and parsley.
- Garlic butter mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus with Parmesan
- Crisp Caesar salad
How to Steam King Crab Legs
Steaming is one of the best methods to retain the crab’s natural flavors.
- Fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
- Place crab legs in a steamer basket or insert and cover the pot.
- Cooking Time:
- Thawed legs: 5-6 minutes
- Frozen legs: 10 minutes
- Serve with melted butter and fresh lemon wedges.
Pro Tip: Add garlic or herbs to the water for an aromatic twist.
Backlink: Find premium crab legs for steaming at Global Seafoods .
How to Prepare King Crab Legs
FAQ
How long does it take to cook Alaska king crab legs?
Place the crab legs in the pot on a rack or colander over the boiling water. Cover with a lid and cook for six to ten minutes, or until the crab is completely heated. When they begin to omit a “cooked odor,” they should be ready to eat. Serve with garlic butter, lemon wedges, and enjoy!
Is it better to cook king crab legs frozen or thawed?
Most king crab legs come frozen. It is not recommended to cook king crab legs from frozen. Thaw them in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours prior to cooking them. Thawing them ensures that they will cook evenly.
How can you tell if king crab legs are cooked?
The best way to tell if king crab legs are cooked is to look for a change in color. The meat should be white or slightly pink when it is cooked. You can also test for doneness by pulling one of the legs apart. The meat should be firm and slightly pink in the center.
Is it better to boil or bake crab legs?
“Steaming is a great way to maximize sweetness as well as texture for the delicate, lush meat. Sometimes when boiling you run the risk of overcooking, and it can be difficult to extract meat if done improperly. By steaming the shell, it acts as an oven, allowing the crabmeat to cook in its natural juices.