Crab legs are a delicious and popular seafood treat that many people love to indulge in. Their sweet, succulent meat tucked away inside the hard shell is a joy to crack open and devour. But cooking crab legs can be time consuming and require specific cooking methods. This leaves many wondering – can I microwave crab legs for a quick and easy preparation? The answer is yes!
Microwaving is actually a great way to cook crab legs that retains moisture and flavor beautifully. While the stove or grill may be traditional preparation techniques, the microwave offers a convenient alternative with impressive results. In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to microwaving crab legs successfully and offer tips for selecting, preparing, seasoning, and serving crab legs cooked in the microwave.
Benefits of Microwaving Crab Legs
Here are some of the best things about microwaving crab legs:
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It’s incredibly fast and easy – crab legs can be cooked from frozen in just 5-8 minutes per pound. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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The crab meat ends up tender and juicy without drying out.
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Minimal preparation and clean up – no need to pull out pots and pans.
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You can microwave them right in the shell, no tricky cracking required beforehand.
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Retains the natural flavors well without taking on an overcooked taste
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Don’t have to worry about over or undercooking on the stove.
Choosing Crab Legs for Microwaving
You can microwave pretty much any type of crab legs you would normally cook another way. Some top choices include:
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Snow crab legs – These are a popular choice for their tender, sweet meat. Go for legs 6-9 inches long.
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King crab legs – Prized for their thick, chunky texture and robust flavor. These have a shorter cooking time.
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Dungeness crab legs – Delicate flavor with flaky texture. Size can vary.
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Stone crab legs – Delicious, meaty texture with lemon notes. Available frozen.
No matter what type you choose, look for crab legs that are raw, uncooked, and not previously frozen for best results. Size-wise, opt for legs in the 1⁄2 to 1 pound range so they cook evenly.
Prepping Crab Legs for the Microwave
Proper prep ensures crab legs cook correctly in the microwave. Follow these steps:
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Thaw completely if frozen – Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
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Rinse – Give them a quick cold water rinse to remove ice crystals if thawed.
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Remove bands – Take off any rubber bands around the legs so they don’t snap during cooking.
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Lightly oil – Brush with a little melted butter, olive oil, or coconut oil. This prevents them from drying out.
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Arrange in dish – Place in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
How to Microwave Crab Legs
Microwaving crab legs is simple. Follow this step-by-step process:
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Place crab legs in microwave-safe dish coated with oil.
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Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes per 1⁄2 pound of legs.
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After halfway done, rearrange and flip legs with tongs.
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Cook until shells turn bright orange-red with slight cracking.
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Check for doneness by looking for opaque, flaky meat.
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Let sit 2-3 minutes before serving.
Key tips:
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Microwave in 1-2 minute intervals if cooking smaller pieces.
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Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to further prevent dryness.
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Do not overcook – meat can get rubbery.
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Use potholders – dish will be very hot!
Seasoning Microwaved Crab Legs
Plain microwaved crab is delicious as is, but you can also season it up with:
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Melted butter – Dip legs or drizzle over meat.
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Fresh lemon – Squeeze juice over meat once shelled.
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Cajun seasoning – Sprinkle on legs before cooking.
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Old Bay – Another classic crab seasoning.
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Garlic butter – Brush on legs after cooking.
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Salsa – Try mango, pineapple, or peach salsa.
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Lemon-pepper – Flavorful dash of citrus and spice.
Serving Suggestions
Microwaved crab legs make an easy and impressive meal any night of the week. Serve them:
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As an appetizer with melted butter and lemon wedges.
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Over fresh greens for a salad.
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In lettuce wraps for a fun crab taco twist.
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With roasted veggies like squash and Brussels sprouts.
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Over pasta – break up the meat into linguine.
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In crab cakes, dips, or crab-stuffed fish.
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On top of rice pilaf or creamy risotto.
Storing Leftover Crab Legs
Like any seafood, cooked crab meat is perishable and won’t keep long. Here are some storage tips:
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Pick leftover meat from shells and store in airtight container for 2-3 days.
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Refrigerate leftover crab legs in shell up to 3 days.
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Freeze picked crabmeat for 1-2 months in freezer bags or airtight containers.
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Don’t freeze crab legs in the shell – they will get mushy when thawed.
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Use leftover crab meat quickly for crab cakes, seafood pasta, or salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your common crab leg microwaving questions:
How long should I microwave pre-cooked crab legs?
2-4 minutes per half pound of pre-cooked legs just to heat through. Don’t overcook.
Should crab legs be thawed before microwaving?
Yes, completely thaw frozen crab legs in the fridge first for best results.
Do you need to add water when microwaving crab legs?
No, adding liquid is not necessary. The natural moisture in the crab meat steams it.
Why are my microwaved crab legs rubbery?
This happens if they are overcooked. Stick to 5 minutes max per 1⁄2 pound of legs.
Is it safe to microwave crab legs in the shell?
Yes, you can microwave crab legs safely in the shell without any prep.
Can I reheat previously cooked crab legs in the microwave?
You can reheat cooked crab legs briefly in the microwave just until warmed through.
What is the nutrition of crab legs?
Crab legs are low calorie, low fat, high protein, and full of beneficial minerals like selenium and copper.
Enjoy Delicious Microwaved Crab Any Night
As you can see, microwaving crab legs is a quick and foolproof cooking method that makes enjoying this sweet shellfish simple any night of the week. In just 5 minutes, you can have tender, juicy crab ready to crack open and delight in its briny flavor. Experiment with different seasonings and serving suggestions for endless easy crab dining. Don’t be afraid to think outside the steamer pot and leverage your microwave for fast crab gratification.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh or frozen crab legs
- A microwave-safe dish or plate
- A microwave with a turntable
- Melted butter
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Thaw the crab legs if they are frozen. You can put them in the fridge overnight or, if you’re in a hurry, use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Put the crab legs in a dish or plate that can go in the microwave and arrange them in a single layer.
- Place a lid that can go in the microwave on top of the dish or plate or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap, leaving a small opening for steam to escape.
- For every pound of crab legs, heat them in a microwave on high for about 4 to 5 minutes. Say you have a pound of crab legs. Put them in the microwave for four to five minutes. If you have 2 pounds, microwave them for 8-10 minutes.
- Carefully take the dish out of the microwave after the first time and use tongs or a fork to flip the crab legs over.
- Place the crab legs back in the dish and cover it again. Use the microwave for the rest of the cooking time.
- After the cooking time is up, take the dish out and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Be careful when you take the lid off the dish because steam will escape.
- Spread melted butter on the crab legs to make them taste even better.
- If you want, you can serve the crab legs hot with more melted butter and lemon wedges on the side.
There you have it! A fuss-free method to prepare crab legs using your microwave. This technique ensures tender, juicy meat that easily slides out of the shell with every satisfying bite. Now you can enjoy this delectable seafood treat in no time.
Remember, microwaves may vary in power, so it’s essential to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Be sure to check the crab legs for doneness before serving. If they still appear undercooked, continue cooking in short increments until fully heated. Happy microwaving and bon appétit!.
Easy and Quick Method to Cook Delicious Crab Legs in the Microwave
Don’t worry if you want delicious crab legs but don’t have the time or patience to cook them the traditional way. We have an easy and quick way to cook crab legs in the microwave. It’s a time-saving technique that delivers equally delicious results.