Are Frozen Crab Legs Precooked? A Helpful Guide to Preparing Delicious Crab

Crab legs are a cherished delicacy for seafood lovers. Their sweet, succulent meat offers an irresistible taste of the ocean However, preparing crab legs properly requires some special considerations Many people wonder – are frozen crab legs sold at the grocery store already cooked? Let’s find out.

The good news is that yes, frozen crab legs available at supermarkets and fish markets are already fully cooked when you purchase them. This applies to all types of crab legs, including king crab, snow crab, Dungeness crab, and blue crab The cooking process occurs right after the crabs are caught, either on the fishing boats or immediately upon arrival at the docks The crab legs are cooked and then immediately flash frozen to preserve freshness. This precooking makes preparing crab legs at home simple – you just need to reheat and serve.

When shopping for frozen crab legs look for legs with an opaque white shell. Avoid any with a greenish-brown tint as this indicates they are uncooked. Leg clusters should feel very cold and show no signs of freezer burn or frost. Of course, double check with your fishmonger to confirm the crab legs are precooked before purchasing.

While raw crab legs are never sold to consumers, live crabs are. So the only way to get true uncooked crab legs is to buy a live crab and detach the legs yourself after cooking it. This is an extremely laborious process not recommended for the average home cook!

Now that we’ve established frozen crab legs are precooked, let’s discuss the best reheating methods:

Steaming

This gentle cooking method evenly brings out the crab’s sweet succulence. Place legs in a single layer in a steamer basket or colander. Set over a pot of rapidly boiling water and steam for 4-5 minutes until heated through. The shell will turn bright red when done. Add herbs or lemon to the water for extra flavor.

Boiling

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently add crab legs and cook for 4-5 minutes until heated through. The shell will turn bright red when done. Drain and serve immediately with melted butter.

Broiling

Place crab legs on a broiler pan and broil 3-4 minutes per side until hot. Baste with butter and lemon as they cook. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Baking

Arrange legs in a single layer in a baking dish. Add 1 inch of beer, wine or water to the bottom. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 4-6 minutes until hot.

No matter which reheating method you choose, resist the temptation to microwave crab legs. Microwaves often leave cold spots and cause meat to dry out.

Here are some additional tips for serving perfect crab legs every time:

• Always thaw frozen legs overnight in the fridge before cooking. Reheating frozen legs causes moisture loss.

• Check for doneness by cracking open a leg and testing that meat is hot throughout.

• Add lemon, parsley, garlic or Old Bay seasoning to the reheating liquid for extra flavor.

• Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges and shellfish crackers or picks.

• Overcooked crab turns rubbery, so err on the side of undercooking.

With the right techniques, preparing succulent crab legs at home is easy. Just remember – virtually all frozen crab legs are precooked and ready to reheat and enjoy after a brief steaming, boiling or broiling. Follow these simple steps for tender, deliciously sweet crab meat your family will love.

So next time you spot plump clusters of snow crab or gigantic king crab legs at the market, stock up knowing that enjoying these treats at home takes minimal effort. Let us know your favorite go-to methods for reheating frozen crab legs!