How to Cook Frozen King Crab Legs Perfectly Every Time

King crab legs are a delicious and luxurious seafood treat. Their sweet, succulent meat is packed with flavor and incredibly tender when cooked properly However, cooking frozen king crab legs can be a bit tricky If you undercook them, the meat can be gummy and hard to extract. Overcook them and the meat becomes rubbery and dry. So how do you get tender, moist king crab meat when cooking directly from frozen?

In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook frozen king crab legs to tender juicy perfection every time.

Why Are King Crab Legs Sold Frozen?

Nearly all king crab legs you find in stores are already cooked and then flash frozen on the fishing boats This locks in freshness and flavor. King crab legs must be cooked soon after catching to prevent spoilage Freezing pre-cooked legs is the best way to get their amazing sweet flavor to consumers.

So when you buy frozen king crab legs in the store, they are already fully cooked – you just need to thaw and gently reheat them. This makes preparing them so much easier!

Thawing Frozen King Crab Legs

You have two options when it comes to thawing frozen crab legs: thaw first or cook from frozen.

To thaw before cooking, place legs in a single layer in a rimmed sheet pan or large plate. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 5 hours.

You can also thaw under cold running water for 30 minutes, changing the water halfway through.

Never thaw crab legs at room temperature, as bacteria could start growing.

If you forget to thaw the legs or prefer to skip this step, no problem! You can cook them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Cook Frozen King Crab Legs

There are four easy methods for cooking frozen king crab legs: boiling, steaming, baking, and grilling. Each results in tender, moist, and flavorful crab meat.

Boiling

Boiling is the quickest and easiest way to cook frozen king crab legs.

Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add frozen crab legs and return to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 7-8 minutes for thawed legs, or 9-11 minutes for frozen.

Drain crab legs and serve immediately with butter and lemon.

Steaming

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that keeps crab legs incredibly moist.

Fill a pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place legs in a steamer basket or colander suspended over, but not touching, the boiling water.

Cover and steam thawed legs for 4-5 minutes, or frozen legs for 7-8 minutes.

Check for doneness and continue steaming if needed. Serve immediately.

Baking

Baking draws out moisture from the shells, lightly steaming the meat inside. It renders crab legs tender and juicy.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange thawed crab legs on a baking sheet and add a couple tablespoons of water.

Cover tightly with foil and bake 8-10 minutes for thawed, or 12-15 for frozen legs.

Check frequently for doneness. Serve hot.

Grilling

Grilling imparts a delicious smoky flavor to king crab legs.

Thaw legs first. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Brush legs with oil or butter and grill thawed legs 4-5 minutes per side, until heated through.

Frozen legs will need 7-8 minutes per side. Watch closely to prevent burning.

How to Tell When Crab Legs Are Done

It can be tricky to tell when crab legs are fully cooked through since they are already cooked when frozen. Here are a few doneness cues:

• Shells turn bright red-orange
• Meat is opaque and white, not transparent
• Legs are hot to the touch
• Meat pulls cleanly away from the shell

When in doubt, cut into a leg to check the center for doneness. It should be hot and opaque, not cold or translucent.

Undercooked crab will be gummy and chewy. Overcooked meat becomes dry and brittle.

Serving Suggestions

King crab legs should be served immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.

Offer crab crackers and picks to easily extract the meat. Provide small plates for discarded shells.

Serve with:

• Melted butter
• Lemon wedges
• Cocktail sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Clarified butter

King crab legs also pair well with fresh herbs, roasted garlic, grilled lemons, and seafood seasoning.

Get creative with your sides! Some options are:

• Steamed rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Garlicky green beans
• Buttered corn on the cob
• A fresh salad or slaw

A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, makes the perfect beverage complement.

Storing Leftover King Crab

Properly stored, leftover cooked king crab meat will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Pick any remaining meat from the shells and store in an airtight container.

To reheat, place in a steamer basket over boiling water for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Or toss gently with warm butter.

Use leftover crab meat in casseroles, salad, seafood pasta, or crab cakes. It’s fantastic when added to corn chowders and bisques as well.

Tips for Cooking Frozen King Crab Legs

• Always cook from fully frozen or fully thawed legs – partial thawing creates uneven cooking.

• Arrange in a single layer on cookware so steam can circulate evenly.

• Resist the urge to overcook! Crab meat becomes rubbery and dry if cooked too long.

• Brush legs with oil or butter before grilling or broiling to prevent sticking.

• Crack legs before serving for easy access to the meat.

• Add seasonings after cooking, as many spices become bitter when boiled or steamed.

• Check thickness of legs – larger legs may need a minute or two longer.

• Piercing an underside shell cavity allows steam to penetrate inside.

• Use tongs or oven mitts when handling hot crab legs to prevent burns.

Get Cracking on Those Crab Legs!

Cooking frozen king crab legs is actually quite simple. Just remember to go low and slow with your chosen cooking method. Proper thawing, frequent checks for doneness, and immediate service ensures tender, juicy meat every time.

Now that you know how to cook frozen king crab legs perfectly, it’s time to indulge in this sweet and succulent seafood treat. Grab some legs from your local fish market or grocery store and get cracking! Just follow the guidelines above for tender, moist, and delicious king crab meat.