King crab legs are a delicacy that many seafood lovers adore. With their sweet, briny flavor and tender meat, they make a fabulous meal when prepared properly. One of the quickest and most flavorful cooking methods for king crab legs is broiling. The high heat helps caramelize the proteins on the exterior while heating the leg from the outside in. But exactly how long does it take to broil king crab legs to tender, juicy perfection?
An Overview of Cooking King Crab Legs
King crab legs sold commercially are typically pre-cooked. This means that technically, you don’t need to cook them further before eating. However, heating them enhances their flavor and makes the meat more tender.
There are several easy cooking methods for pre-cooked king crab legs
- Broiling
- Grilling
- Steaming
- Boiling
- Microwaving
Broiling and grilling utilize dry heat to intensify the crab’s sweet, briny flavor. Steaming and boiling gently reheat the crab using moist heat The microwave offers speedy cooking but can make the crab rubbery if overdone
For broiling, the oven should be preheated and the crab placed directly under the heating element. Special broiling pans or wire racks allow heat to circulate all around the crab for even cooking. The high, dry heat helps caramelize proteins on the exterior of the legs for a delicious, deeper flavor.
How Long to Broil King Crab Legs
Broiling time depends on the size and quantity of king crab legs. Here are general guidelines:
- 2-4 medium legs: 8 to 12 minutes
- 1 pound of legs (3-5 medium legs): 10 to 15 minutes
- 2 pounds of legs (6-10 legs): 15 to 20 minutes
These times are based on legs around 5-7 inches long. Larger legs may take a bit longer, up to 25 minutes for very thick pieces. You want the shell to turn bright reddish-orange and the meat to be heated through when done.
It’s easy to tell when they’re finished cooking. Simply touch the shell – it should be too hot to keep your finger on. The meat will be opaque and hot throughout when pierced with a fork.
Tips for Perfect Broiled King Crab Legs
Follow these useful tips for tender, juicy broiled crab legs every time:
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Thaw first – Broiling straight from frozen overcooks the exterior before the inside thaws. Thaw legs overnight in the fridge instead.
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Use a broiling pan – The perforated pan allows proper air circulation for even cooking.
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Preheat properly – Heat the broiler for at least 5 minutes before adding the crab.
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Watch closely – Broilers are very hot, so monitor legs to prevent burning.
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Turn halfway – Flipping halfway through ensures even browning and heating.
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Check for doneness – Shells turn reddish-orange when done.
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Brush with butter – Melted butter or oil prevents drying out.
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Don’t crowd – Allow space between legs for airflow. Cook in batches if needed.
I like to brush the legs with garlic-lemon butter before broiling. It bubbles and browns, coating the shell. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving balances the richness.
Alternate Cooking Methods
While broiling is quick and flavorful, you may prefer other cooking techniques. Here’s how long they take:
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Grilling: Same timing as broiling
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Steaming: 5-8 minutes after steam is visible
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Boiling: 3-5 minutes after water boils
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Microwaving: Varies; use 30 second increments to prevent overcooking
Since the meat is pre-cooked, it just needs gentle heating to finish. Be careful not to overcook or it can become rubbery. If reheating frozen legs in the microwave, add an ice cube to prevent overcooking the edges.
Serving Suggestions
King crab legs are delicious on their own with just a bit of melted butter or olive oil. But you can also pair them with fun sauces and sides:
- Lemony aioli or tangy vinaigrettes
- Herb butter with garlic and lemon
- Sweet chili sauce or creamy Greek yogurt sauce for dipping
- Fresh herbs like dill, paprika, or lemon pepper
- Sautéed veggies such as zucchini and bell peppers
- Bright citrus wedges like lemon, lime, or orange
- Fresh green salad or crunchy coleslaw
However you choose to prepare your king crab legs, let the sweet flavor of the crab shine through. A few simple seasonings and sides are all you need to highlight that amazing fresh seafood taste.
So next time you’re at the market, pick up a couple pounds of king crab legs. Just 10-20 minutes under the broiler is all it takes for an impressive, restaurant-quality meal. Grab some melted butter, lemon wedges, and napkins – then dig into tender, delicious king crab legs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about broiling king crab legs:
How do I know when the crab legs are done broiling?
Check for the shell to turn bright reddish-orange. The shell will also be too hot to touch. When pierced with a fork, the meat should be opaque throughout.
Should I thaw frozen crab legs before broiling?
Yes, always thaw frozen crab legs overnight in the refrigerator before broiling. Broiling from frozen overcooks the exterior before the inside thaws.
What temperature should I broil king crab legs at?
Preheat your broiler to high, around 500°F. Position the oven rack as close to the heating element as possible for best results.
Should I flip the crab legs halfway through broiling?
Yes, flipping the legs halfway helps ensure even cooking on both sides.
Can I broil crab legs from raw?
No, broiling is only recommended for pre-cooked king crab legs. Raw crab legs need longer cooking by methods like steaming or boiling to fully cook through.
With these handy tips, you’ll be preparing succulent broiled king crab legs in no time. Let the oven do the work while you relax and anticipate the indulgent meal ahead. Enjoy cracking into those tender, flavorful legs!
Anyone can master King Crab Legs!
My parents served King Crabs legs for Christmas Eve dinner growing up (wed also have steak, for a surf and turf” special meal), and Ive carried on this tradition with my own family! The best part is king crab legs is one of the easiest meals to make since crab legs are already fully cooked! All we do is warm them up, and theyre ready to eat in 30 minutes.
But, crab legs are an expensive item to buy, so I want to teach you the best way to heat them perfectly. Serve them with one of our Christmas Menu Ideas, with sides like Twice Baked Potatoes and Wild Rice Pilaf.
How to Eat Crab Legs:
You want the meat to be the star here so I love the simplicity of serving crab legs with melted butter, and sometimes lemon wedges on the side. Sometimes people like to add a little minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the melted butter.
In my house, we pass around the kitchen shears, but you could also use a crab cracker or a fun seafood shell cracking set if you want to have guests over.