My recipe for Steamed Crab Legs is soft, sweet, and so easy to make! Following my step-by-step guide will help you steam crab legs the best way. They’re easy to make and only take 30 minutes on the stove. Serve them with garlic butter sauce on the side.
Crab meat that has been dipped in garlic butter sauce is a delicious meal that is great for a family Sunday dinner or holiday parties!
My family loves nothing more than to eat a big plate of crab legs together at the table. Seafood dinners are some of our favorites, and what could be better than a crab dinner recipe?.
When it comes to dinner, crab legs always get everyone excited, whether they are steamed, boiled, or grilled. I am thrilled to show you how to steam crab legs!.
Crab legs are a delicious treat that many seafood lovers look forward to. However, fresh crab can be difficult to find and expensive to buy. Luckily, frozen crab legs provide a convenient and budget-friendly alternative. But can you steam crab legs that are frozen? The short answer is yes! Steaming frozen crab legs is totally doable with a few tips and tricks.
Why Steam Frozen Crab Legs?
Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for frozen crab legs. It gently thaws, heats, and cooks the crab all at once. Steaming retains moisture, prevents overcooking, and brings out the sweet, briny flavor of the crab. It gives you tender, juicy meat that easily separates from the shell when picked.
Other cooking methods like boiling, baking, or grilling frozen crab can lead to rubbery, dried out meat. The frozen crab lacks enough moisture when exposed to direct, intense heat.
Steaming uses indirect heat and lets the frozen legs gently warm until the ice crystals melt This helps preserve moisture and texture. The result is succulent crab with the snappy pop and brininess you crave
Tips for Steaming Frozen Crab Legs
Follow these handy tips for steaming frozen crab legs successfully:
Use a Steamer Basket
A steamer basket elevates the crab above the boiling water. This prevents overcooking on the bottom before the top thaws. Choose a basket large enough to hold the crab legs in a single layer without crowding.
Don’t Add Seasoning
Skip seasoning like Old Bay or garlic before steaming. It can hinder the crab absorbing steam and lead to uneven cooking. Brush on melted butter or seasoning after steaming instead.
Choose Similar Sized Legs
Try to pick legs that are similar in thickness. Thinner legs may cook faster while thick pieces take longer. Sorting them by size helps ensure even cooking.
Steam From Frozen
You don’t need to thaw frozen crab legs before steaming. Cooking them frozen helps preserve moisture compared to thawing first.
Check for Doneness
The shell color changes from icy blue to bright red when done. The meat should look opaque and feel firm yet flaky. If unsure, make a small slit to peek inside.
Avoid Overcrowding
Give the crab legs room to steam evenly. Overcrowding prevents steam circulation. Work in batches for a large amount.
Reuse Steaming Liquid
The steaming liquid absorbs delicious crab flavor. Reuse it a few times before replacing. Throw out once it looks too cloudy or salty.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfectly steamed frozen crab legs every time:
-
Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
-
Place a steamer basket in pot. Make sure water doesn’t touch it.
-
Arrange frozen crab legs in a single layer in the basket.
-
Cover pot tightly and steam for 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.
-
Check for doneness indicators like bright red shells.
-
Remove crab carefully with tongs and serve immediately.
-
Crack open legs and enjoy dipped in melted butter!
Common FAQs
Still have questions about steaming frozen crab at home? These common questions have you covered:
How long does it take to steam frozen crab legs?
- Plan on 6-8 minutes for most frozen legs. Thicker parts may take 1-2 minutes longer.
Can you steam frozen crab legs that aren’t thawed?
- Yes, steaming cooks them beautifully from frozen. No thawing required!
What’s the downside to boiling instead of steaming?
- Boiling can toughen the meat and dry it out. Steaming keeps crab legs tender and juicy.
Is it safe to re-steam leftover crab legs?
- Yes, you can safely reheat steamed crab legs by steaming 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Can you steam frozen soft shell crab?
- Soft shell can be steamed but may overcook faster than hard shells. Check often and steam just until heated.
How do you know when frozen crab legs are done steaming?
- Look for bright red shells, opaque meat, and meat that flakes easily. This signals they are fully cooked.
Enjoy Perfectly Steamed Crab Legs
Steaming makes frozen crab restaurant-quality good right from your own kitchen. Follow these guidelines for tender, juicy legs bursting with sweet crab flavor. Soon you’ll be an expert at steaming frozen crab like a pro. Impress your family or guests with your own freshly steamed crab feast.
How to Boil Crab Legs
You can also use this same recipe to boil crab legs, rather than steam them. Follow these directions for boiling crab legs:
- Put enough water in a big pot so that the crab legs have room to move around. Wait for the boiling water to rise.
- When the water starts to boil, add salt, Old Bay seasoning, vegetable oil, and beer.
- Soak the crab legs in the water in the pot, then bring it back to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove the legs and set aside.
Can I use frozen crab?
Yes, you can! If you can find fresh crab in your area, consider yourself lucky. If fresh crab legs are available, use them. If not, frozen crab legs are just as tasty and can be used to make steamed crab legs.
Frozen crab is commonly found and perfect for this recipe. You don’t even have to defrost the crab legs prior to cooking. You can place them right in the water and the steam will cook them perfectly.
