Crab legs are one of the most delicious seafood treats that are perfect for special occasions or just because. While fresh crab legs require complex cooking methods, frozen, fully cooked crab legs are convenient, easy to prepare, and taste just as scrumptious.
As a seafood lover and home cook, I often get asked – how do you cook frozen fully cooked crab legs? Well, the process is actually quite simple and only requires a few easy steps to enjoy these succulent crustaceans right from your freezer.
In this detailed guide I will walk you through the different methods of cooking frozen pre-cooked crab legs and some serving ideas to delight your tastebuds. So, get ready to unlock the secrets to preparing these mouthwatering delights in your own kitchen.
Thawing the Crab Legs
The first step is thawing the frozen crab legs properly to ensure even cooking and tender, juicy meat. Here are two easy methods:
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Cold Water Bath: Place the frozen crab legs in a colander and run cold tap water over them for 15-20 minutes until completely thawed. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
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Refrigerator Thaw: For a slower thaw, place legs in a bowl and leave overnight in the refrigerator. This retains moisture better.
Once thawed, the crab legs are ready for cooking as per your preference.
Boiling the Crab Legs
Boiling is hands down the most popular way to cook frozen crab legs. The steaming heat gently warms the meat while keeping it moist. Follow these simple steps:
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Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a rolling boil.
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Gently add crab legs and boil for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
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For more than 2 lbs, add 2-3 minutes more, checking frequently.
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Drain and serve with melted butter, lemon wedges and your favorite sauces for dipping.
Steaming the Crab Legs
Steaming is a quick and healthy cooking method that highlights the sweet flavours of the crab meat. Here is how to do it:
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Fill the bottom of a pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
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Place a steamer basket or colander inside the pot, above the water.
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Arrange the crab legs in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd.
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Steam covered for 4-5 minutes until hot. Add 1-2 minutes for more than 2 lbs.
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Remove basket from pot and serve the crab legs hot.
Baking the Crab Legs
Baking brings out rich, roasted flavors from the crab legs with little effort. Follow these foolproof steps:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Arrange crab legs in a single layer on the sheet. Brush with melted butter or oil.
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Bake for 8-12 minutes until hot. Add 2-3 minutes for over 2 lbs.
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Remove from oven, season and serve. Squeeze fresh lemon and enjoy!
Grilling the Crab Legs
For an irresistible smoky flavor, grilling the crab legs is an amazing option. Here is how to do it:
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Oil the grates of a preheated grill and brush legs with oil or melted butter.
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Grill the legs for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.
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Brush with more butter halfway through. Be careful not to overcook.
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Transfer to a platter, season and serve immediately.
Microwaving the Crab Legs
For a fuss-free quick fix, the microwave can heat up frozen crab legs conveniently. Here are some tips:
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Arrange legs in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer.
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Microwave on HIGH in 1-minute increments, flipping halfway through.
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Take care as they can overcook quickly. Microwave just until hot.
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Allow to rest 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy with lemon butter.
Handy Serving Suggestions
Beyond just lemon and butter, here are some delicious ways to serve cooked frozen crab legs:
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Crab legs with garlic aioli – For an indulgent dip, whip up some garlicky mayonnaise.
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Crab legs with cocktail sauce – This zesty, tomato-based sauce adds a tart pop of flavor.
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Cajun crab legs – Sprinkle on Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
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Crab fried rice – Toss chunks of crab meat into fried rice for a meal.
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Crab cakes – Mix with breadcrumbs, egg and herbs to make crispy crab cakes.
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Crab legs pasta – Combine with linguine, white wine, tomatoes for a pasta dish.
Steaming King Crab Legs
- To make a big pot steam, add two cups of water and heat it up. (There is a part in a steaming pot that lets you put food on top of the water.) ).
- Put the crab legs in the steam pot insert, which should be in the pot above the water.
- You could also just use a regular pot and put the crab legs inside a metal colander. Then, you could put the colander inside the pot and place it above the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid for 4 minutes. It will take 8 minutes to cook all 15 legs at once if you add 4 minutes.
- Remove the crab legs from the pot. Check to make sure they are warm and heated through.
- Enjoy!
Grilling King Crab Legs
- Heat your grill to 300 degrees.
- Brush the King Crab Legs generously with olive oil.
- Leave the King Crab Legs on the grill for three to five minutes.
- After 3 to 5 minutes, flip the legs over and let them sit there again. Watch out that they don’t catch fire!
- Remove from the grill.
- Enjoy!
How to Cook Frozen Crab Leg : Making Meals Delicious
How long to cook frozen crab legs?
Maintain simmer while steaming crab legs until cooked. Boil water for 5 minutes for thawed crab legs or 10 minutes for frozen crab legs. What Is The Best Temperature To Cook Frozen Crab Legs? Preheat the oven to 450˚F. Place crab legs on a baking sheet. Bake frozen crab legs for 25 minutes, or thawed for 15 minutes
How do you cook thawed crab legs?
To steam them, start by placing a steamer basket or an elevated rack inside a pot. Add water, garlic, herbs, or other seasonings to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, carefully place the thawed crab legs into the steamer basket and cover the pot. Steam them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.
How do you cook frozen crab legs without drying them out?
Here are four methods for how to cook frozen crab legs without drying them out. Put the butter and garlic in a small saucepan over low heat to melt. Let simmer while the crab legs are cooking. Pour into two small dipping bowls. Fill the bottom of a large pot with water. Place a steamer basket into the pot.
How do you cook crab legs?
The best way to cook crab legs is by boiling them. Crab legs can also be grilled, but they will not have the same texture as boiled crab legs. 1. Bring a big saucepan of water to a boil. 2. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the crab legs are fully cooked. 3.