Wondering how to cook crab legs? Then you’ve come to the right place. With their striking appearance and exquisite flavor, crab legs are the ideal gourmet dish for special occasions. Also, since they’ve usually pre cooked when you purchase them, it’s easy enough to reheat them and make them good for eating. Let’s get into it!
Boiling Crab Legs
Wondering how to boil crab legs? Boiling is a simple method and it's also a really good one, since the water filters into the shells and heats the meat evenly while also keeping it moist.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and submerge the legs. Boil for 4-5 minutes if frozen, or 3-4 minutes if thawed. Once they’re done, carefully remove them with tongs. Serve immediately with melted butter for a classic flavor experience.
Steaming Crab Legs
Steaming preserves the delicate, natural flavor without diluting it in water and the steam gently heats the legs, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Great for a purer crab flavor.
Grilling Crab Legs
Grilling adds a smoky, savory dimension that other methods can't quite match and the grill’s direct heat gives the shells a lovely little char. Great for summer cookouts or any time you want to add a bit of fire-kissed flair to your meal!
Preheat your grill on low, and cut your thawed legs at the joints to break them into shorter segments. Brush them with butter or oil, plus any other seasonings you'd like. Place them on the grill, close the top, and shut the grill for five minutes before flipping them. Check for flare-ups, and try to avoid getting burnt. Serve with melted butter and lemon.
How to Choose the Best Crab Legs
When it comes to selecting the best crab legs, knowing the difference between types of crab can help you make the right choice. King crab legs are the heavyweights of this crustacean world. They’re larger, meatier, and have a rich, sweet flavor that’s perfect for those who want a luxurious dining experience. There’s really nothing easier than learning how to cook king crab legs, and these are the ones to choose if you’re feeding a crowd or craving impressive portion sizes.
On the other hand, snow crab legs are smaller but just as delicious, with a slightly firmer texture and a more delicate flavor. They’re easier to crack open, making them a great choice for casual gatherings or family meals. If you love tender, flaky meat that’s easy to serve, snow are your go-to.
When selecting crab legs, look for ones that are pre-cooked and flash-frozen for peak freshness. The shells should appear bright, with no frost or ice buildup, and they should feel firm, not limp
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Crab Legs
- Thaw: Wondering how to cook frozen crab legs? Thaw first! For even cooking, thaw in the fridge (always in the fridge) overnight. If you're short on time, place them under cold running water for 20-30 minutes and it will help in a pinch to heat evenly and also prevent them from drying out.
- Don’t overcook: Keep a close eye on your cooking, they only need to be reheated, not fully cooked and overcooking can make the meat tough and stringy - nobody wants that! How long to cook crab legs? Stick to a cooking time of 4-7 minutes, depending on the method.
- Use the right tools: To make cracking and serving easier, have seafood crackers or kitchen shears on hand for breaking into the shells m.
- Add flavor: These demure beauties love a brushing with seasoned butter, garlic, or herbs before grilling or baking.
- Serve immediately: Like most things, these taste best when served hot, so prep your sides and sauces ahead of time so you’re ready to eat.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Crab Legs?
This is a loaded question! It really depends on what flavor and texture you like the best, but if we had to pick, we’d go for one of the most popular and foolproof methods: steaming. Steaming keeps the natural flavors and also keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Here’s how you do it:
- Bring about an inch of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Place your legs in a steamer basket over the water making sure the legs aren’t submerged.
- Finally, cover and steam for 5-7 minutes for frozen, 4-5 minutes for thawed.
Steaming not only locks in moisture but also makes for faster cooking. Plus, it works for both snow and king. Season just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
For this delicacy, you want a simple side that complements the sweet, tender crab meat.
- Garlic Butter Noodles or Linguine: These rich, buttery noodles absorb the delicious crab flavors. Chef kiss!
- Corn on the Cob: Must-have, can’t-miss! This classic side, whether grilled or boiled, is a seafood staple.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers are great.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Garlic Bread: You’ll love how these buttery biscuits and tender bread soak up those juices from the crab leg!
- Salads: A refreshing cucumber salad or a crunchy coleslaw are exactly right to balance the richness of the crab.
- Potato Sides: Whether it’s mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or roasted fingerling potatoes, spuds are just the way to go.
Always make sure you buy crab legs from a reputable source. The legs need to be as fresh as possible, and prepared in facilities designed for cleanliness and masterful preparation. Fortunately, the seafood products we sell here at Gourmet Food Store tick all those boxes! We deliver them right to your door and keep them frozen for the entire transit, ensuring the finest in quality.