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King crab legs are a delicious and high-protein seafood choice that can elevate any meal into a special occasion. They are not only a treat for the palate but also offer important nutritional benefits. If you are intimidated by the idea of preparing king crab legs at home, you might be surprised to learn how easy it can be! Since the legs are cooked before they are frozen, all you need to do is reheat them. They are fast to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as baking, microwaving, or steaming. Whichever method you choose, you can be confident in creating a delicious seafood dish.
Ingredients:
King Crab Legs – they are cooked before they are flash-frozen, so basically, all you are doing is reheating them. You can also use Dungeness crab which is similar in flavor to king crab, but shorter and contain much less meat. Snow crab is another option very similar to king crab.
How to Prepare King Crab Legs at Home (3 Ways)
Below are 3 easy crab leg recipes. Before you get started, you’ll need to defrost them in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, fill your sink with cold water and let the legs sit in the water for 20 to 30 minutes until thawed. If using the steaming method, you can cook from frozen about 10 to 12 minutes.
King Crab Legs in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F. Place the crab legs in a single layer in a large baking dish. You may need to cut them at the joints to fit them in the pan properly. Pour just enough water into the baking dish to cover the bottom (about 1/4 cup). This will steam the crab legs as it bakes, keeping it moist. Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the steam in. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. The crab is already cooked, so you’re just heating it through.
Microwave: Wrap the crab legs with wet paper towels and microwave on high for about 3 to 4 minutes until warm.
Steamed King Crab Legs: Fill a large pot with water and put a steamer insert inside. Bring the water to a boil, and steam the crab legs for about 8 to 10 minutes. If frozen, cook 10 to 12 minutes. Regardless of the cooking method, I like to finish my crab legs off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also serve them with melted butter with lemon juice or garlic mixed in.
What to Serve with King Crab Legs
Here are some side dish ideas to serve with the crab:
Storage
Crab legs are best eaten the day they are prepared, but if you have leftovers, they will last up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave until warm, or eat the meat cold on a salad.
FAQs
Which crab is better: snow or king? King crab legs are the largest type with the most meat. Snow crab legs are similar but have thinner legs. What does king crab meat taste like? King crab meat is sweet, tender, and similar to lobster meat. Is it better to steam or bake king crab legs? Steaming versus baking king crab legs is a matter of preference. They are both simple options. How long do you cook king crab legs? It depends on the cooking method, but they are generally ready to eat in under 10 minutes.
Helpful Tips
Don’t overcook: Avoid overcooking which can make it tough. Don’t purchase crab legs that are already thawed. Frozen crab legs are best because they will be fresher. Cracking the Shell: You might want to crack the shells before heating, so they’re easier to open after they’re heated. I find it easiest to do with a kitchen scissor. Melted Butter: A little goes a long way, this is where the calories quickly add up! Use Tools: Have crab crackers and seafood forks on hand to help get the meat out of the shell.
