Crab legs are a delicious indulgence for holidays, special events, or just a meal to treat yourself. It takes some time and effort to pick out pieces of tender meat from the long, thin legs, but you’ll probably agree that it’s well worth it. There are many ways to enjoy crab legs. Some people like to steam them and then dunk them in butter. Others like to boil the legs and use the meat for crab cakes. After paying for and preparing them, no one wants to let leftover crab legs go to waste.
However, if you’ve ever gotten food poisoning from seafood, it can be scary to know how to cook it well and reheat it safely. That’s why it’s important to know how to carefully and effectively reheat crab legs before you eat them again. And you can still enjoy leftover crab easily or put them to good use in other dishes.
Crab legs are a delicacy that many seafood fans look forward to The sweet, succulent meat inside the hard shell is incredibly tender and delicious when freshly cooked But like most leftovers, precooked crab legs often end up stashed in the fridge or freezer to enjoy later. This leaves many wondering – can you reheat crab legs while maintaining that just-cooked texture and flavor?
The good news is that properly reheating crab legs is absolutely possible. In fact, there are several excellent methods to revive crab legs so they come out tender and tasty. However, special care must be taken to reheat them safely and prevent overcooking.
Follow this guide to learn if and how you can reheat crab legs using various cooking techniques. We’ll also provide tips for reheating crab legs correctly so you can enjoy the wonderful flavors of this seafood without any safety concerns.
Can Crab Legs Be Reheated Safely?
Crab legs that have been cooked and then refrigerated or frozen can certainly be reheated and eaten However, it is extremely important to handle and reheat previously cooked crab legs properly to avoid foodborne illness.
Seafood is more perishable than other meats, so leftover cooked crab can spoil quickly if not stored correctly. only reheat crab legs that have been continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below for no more than 3-4 days. Frozen precooked crab legs can be safely reheated after thawing in the fridge.
When reheating crab legs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check temperature. This eliminates any bacteria that may cause food poisoning. Proper reheating also helps maintain the ideal texture of the crab meat inside the legs and claws.
Best Ways to Reheat Cooked Crab Legs
These methods allow you to safely and properly reheat cooked crab legs to enjoy their full flavors and textures:
Boiling
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add crab legs and boil for 3-5 minutes until heated through. The boiling water evenly reheats the crab to a safe internal temperature.
Steaming
Place legs in a steamer basket or colander over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for 4-6 minutes until crab reaches 165°F. Steaming prevents the crab from drying out.
Oven
Put legs in a baking dish with 1-inch of water. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The water creates steam to keep crab moist.
Microwaving
Wrap legs in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until hot. The paper towel provides steam to rehydrate the crab meat.
Grilling
Place legs directly on a hot grill for 6-8 minutes, flipping once. Grill on medium heat to prevent burning. This adds smoky flavor.
Handy Tips for Reheating Crab Legs
Follow these tips to successfully reheat crab legs using any method:
-
Always thaw frozen crab legs fully before reheating. Do not microwave to thaw.
-
Cut legs in sections if needed to fit in your pot or dish. Reheat smaller pieces for shorter times.
-
Check internal temperature using a food thermometer to ensure crab reaches 165°F.
-
Add seasonings or lemon to the reheating liquid for extra flavor.
-
Avoid overcooking, as it makes the meat tough and rubbery.
-
Use a hot pad or gloves when removing heated crab legs from pots, pans or microwaves.
Signs of Spoiled Crab Legs
It is unsafe to reheat or consume crab legs that have gone bad. Look for these signs of spoilage before reheating:
-
Strong, fishy odor
-
Mold growth
-
Slimy texture
-
Discoloration or graying meat
-
Dry, flaky texture
Discard crab legs if they exhibit any signs of spoilage. Reheating spoiled seafood can cause foodborne disease. When in doubt, throw it out.
Storing Leftover Reheated Crab Legs
Only reheat the amount of crab legs you plan to consume immediately. Do not re-refrigerate reheated crab legs to store for later. Reheated crab must be eaten within 2 hours.
To store leftover unreheated crab legs, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze legs for 3-4 months. Thaw before reheating.
Properly reheated crab legs make for a tasty meal or appetizer. With the proper techniques, you can safely reheat refrigerated or frozen precooked crab legs to be just as delicious as when they were freshly prepared. Just remember to reheat thoroughly to 165°F and consume reheated crab legs promptly for food safety.
Place them in the oven
If you want to keep your crab legs whole and are afraid you won’t be able to fit them all in a pot to steam, you could reheat the legs in the oven. The crab legs would get dry if you just put them in the oven, but there is a way to steam them in a pan instead of on the stove.
According to Cooking Chew, you can lay crab legs in a baking dish filled with just ½ an inch of water in the oven to steam the legs whole. You can also add your favorite seasonings to the water for added flavor. Once you have the crab legs prepared in the dish and the oven is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven. Within 20 minutes, the crab legs should be ready to eat.
Boil them in hot water
There are some very good ways to reheat crab legs that are similar to or the same as how you cooked them the first time. The top methods involve using more water to avoid drying out the crab meat. No one likes crab legs that are tough or chewy, which is why boiling them to heat them up is a great way to bring leftovers back to life.
According to City Fish Market, boiling crab legs is incredibly fast and easy. All you need to do is fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab legs you want to reheat and let the water come to a boil. Once the water is hot and bubbling, submerge the crab legs in the water. It should only take up to five minutes for the crab legs to get heat through. And once they are, it is time to dig in.
How to Reheat Crab Legs
How do you reheat crab legs in the oven?
To reheat crab legs in the oven, preheat to 350°F and arrange the crab legs in an oven-safe baking dish. Brush with melted butter and bake for 7-8 minutes. Do not forget that you can also grill the crab legs by brushing them with melted butter and cooking for about 5 minutes.
How do you reheat king crab legs?
Grill the crab legs at indirect medium to high heat for 10 minutes (if thawed) to 15 minutes (if frozen). Grill the crab legs directly over the heat source for three minutes per side. Flip more often as needed. Unwrap the foil from your crab legs and serve. One of the best ways to reheat king crab legs, Churchill says, is in the oven.
How to reheat store-bought crab legs?
To reheat store-bought crab legs: Fill the bottom basket of a steamer with equal parts water and beer (for a flavor boost) or just room temperature water. Place the steamer on a stovetop, cover it with the lid, and turn the heat on so that the water can boil on high flame.
How do you reheat crab legs in a steamer?
Fill your steamer’s pot with water — just ensure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket. Place the basket over the pot and cover it to allow the water to boil. Place the crab legs in the basket and cover with a lid. It should take about 6 to 8 minutes for your meal to reheat.