King crab legs are a delicious treat that many seafood lovers look forward to. With their sweet, briny flavor and meaty texture, they make a fantastic meal. However, before you can enjoy these tasty crustacean legs, an important question must be answered – should you thaw king crab legs before cooking them?
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about thawing king crab legs, including whether or not it’s necessary, the best thawing methods, how long it takes, tips for cooking pre-thawed or frozen crab legs, and common mistakes to avoid Read on for all the details on properly preparing king crab legs for cooking
Should You Thaw King Crab Legs Before Cooking?
The short answer is yes, you should thaw frozen king crab legs before cooking them. Thawing is recommended for several important reasons
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It allows the crab legs to cook more evenly throughout. Frozen legs will cook unevenly with the outside overcooking while the inside remains underdone.
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Thawed legs absorb sauces and seasonings better during cooking for fuller flavor. Frozen legs repel sauces and seasonings.
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Cold spots in frozen crab legs can harbor harmful bacteria. Thawing eliminates these cold spots.
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Frozen crab legs can break apart easier during cooking. Thawed legs hold together better.
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Pre-thawed legs have a better final texture – thawed meat is tender while frozen meat can turn out rubbery.
So for food safety, proper cooking, ideal texture, and maximum flavor, it’s advised to thaw frozen king crab legs first before cooking.
How to Thaw King Crab Legs
Thawing king crab legs properly ensures they are ready for cooking. Here are a few recommended methods:
Refrigerator Thawing
The most foolproof way to safely thaw king crab legs is in the refrigerator:
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Place legs in a bowl or on a plate to catch any drips as they thaw.
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Thaw in the back of the fridge, where temperature is most stable.
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Allow 8-10 hours or overnight for a full 2 lb package to thaw.
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Once thawed, use within 2 days.
Cold Water Thawing
For faster thawing, use a cold water method:
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Place legs in a colander or bowl. Submerge in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes.
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Thawing time can take 1-2 hours for 2 lbs of legs.
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Cook legs immediately after thawing – don’t allow to sit at room temp.
Microwave Thawing
A microwave can be used to quickly thaw king crab legs:
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Arrange legs evenly on a microwave-safe plate.
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Microwave at 20% power in 2 minute intervals.
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Check and flip legs periodically to thaw evenly.
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Once thawed, cook immediately – don’t let sit.
No matter the method, keep raw crab legs chilled at 40°F or below before cooking once thawed.
How Long Does It Take to Thaw King Crab Legs?
Thawing time depends on a few factors, including:
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Amount being thawed – The more crab legs you have, the longer it will take. 2 lbs could take 8-10 hours.
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Thickness of legs – Larger, thicker legs may take longer than smaller legs.
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Thawing method – Refrigerator takes longest, microwave fastest.
General thawing times:
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Refrigerator: 8-10 hours or overnight
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Cold water: 1-2 hours
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Microwave: 5-15 minutes
Check legs periodically for pliability – meat should be thawed enough to bend slightly without cracking or breaking.
Tips for Cooking Thawed King Crab Legs
Once king crab legs are fully thawed, use these tips for delicious results:
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For boiling or steaming, season water with Old Bay, lemon, and garlic.
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Brush legs with butter or olive oil before broiling or grilling.
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Don’t overcook – meat should be opaque and flaky, not chewy.
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Pair with melted butter, garlic aioli, or creamy lemon sauce for dipping.
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Slice legs open before serving for easy access to meat.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or diced chives.
Properly thawed king crab cooks up tender and tasty. Avoid overcooking thawed legs – err on the side of underdone when uncertain.
Can You Cook King Crab Legs Frozen?
It’s not ideal, but you can cook frozen king crab legs if needed. Some tips for handling frozen legs:
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Add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Use longer soak times for sauces and seasonings to penetrate meat.
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Watch closely to avoid overcooking on the outside before inside thaws.
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Expect meat to have a rubbery, uneven texture in parts.
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Check for opaque coloring to confirm doneness since flaky texture is harder to gauge.
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Thaw any uneaten portions in fridge before refrigerating.
While not as good, in a pinch you can steam, boil, or grill frozen crab legs. Just adjust time and temperature accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking King Crab
Avoid these rookie mistakes when handling king crab legs:
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Not thawing legs before cooking. Partially frozen centers lead to uneven cooking.
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Overcooking the meat until chewy and rubbery. Err on the side of underdone.
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Boiling legs too long causing meat to detach from shell. Check often.
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Not seasoning the boiling liquid. Flavor the water with spices, herbs, citrus, etc.
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Serving legs whole. Slice open shells so meat is easier to access.
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Storing thawed king crab in fridge for over 2 days. Use within 48 hours.
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Not serving with butter or sauce. King crab pairs perfectly with melted butter or aioli.
With proper thawing, careful cooking, and strategic seasoning, king crab legs make for impressive, restaurant-quality seafood. Avoid common mistakes for the ultimate crab dining experience at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thawing King Crab Legs
Can you cook king crab legs from frozen?
It’s not recommended, but possible. Thawing first allows for more even cooking so meat doesn’t end up rubbery. If cooking frozen, adjust time up slightly.
How long does it take to thaw 2 lbs of king crab legs?
In the refrigerator, allow 8-10 hours or overnight. In cold water, thaw time is 1-2 hours. For microwave, check every 2-3 minutes until thawed.
Is it safe to thaw king crab legs at room temperature?
No, room temperature thawing can allow bacteria growth. Only thaw legs in the refrigerator, with cold running water, or in the microwave.
Can I re-freeze thawed king crab legs?
It’s best not to refreeze thawed crab legs. Re-freezing can damage texture and flavor. Cook thawed legs within 1-2 days.
What’s the best way to thaw king crab legs faster?
The fastest thawing methods are cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, or using the defrost setting on a microwave. Refrigerator thawing takes the longest.
Get Your Bib On!
King crab is a decadent, impressive seafood delicacy. For the very best results when cooking up these luscious crustacean legs, always start with properly thawing your frozen king crab legs using the cold water, refrigerator, or microwave method. This prevents uneven cooking, ensures food safety, and produces the ideal tender texture and signature sweet flavor king crab is prized for.
So get your bib on and enjoy restaurant-worthy king crab feasts at home. Just remember to give those legs time to thaw first before diving in! Your patience will be rewarded with perfectly prepared, rich and flavorful king crab every time.
Cooking Frozen King Crab Legs
Cooking king crab legs, particularly frozen king crab legs, is fairly simple. Most frozen crab legs are already pre-cooked so they will just need to be heated. If you want to cook frozen crab legs, put them in a colander or steamer over water that is quick to boil. The pot should be about one-third of the way filled with water. You need to put the lid on the pot and steam the crab legs for about ten minutes, or until they are fully cooked.
Boiled King Crab Legs
Put half of a large pot of cold water in it and bring it to a boil. This will boil the crab legs. Add a tablespoon of salt and the seasoning of your choice, if any. When the water begins to boil, add the crab legs and reduce the heat to medium. Allow them to simmer for about six minutes. Take the crab legs out of the water, rinse and they will be ready to eat.