How to cook crab legs, where to get them, what to look for, and how to serve them, step by step. This soft and tasty crab is great for parties, holidays, or other special occasions, and it’s very easy to make.
As kids, our family always had “surf and turf” for Christmas Eve dinner, which meant king crab legs and New York steaks with lots of tasty sides like twice baked potatoes. I’ve continued the tradition with my family and it’s a special meal we look forward to every year. It’s also one of the easiest ones to make!.
Since crab legs are pricey, I want to make sure you know how to cook them perfectly. They may sound scary, but crab legs are already cooked; all you have to do is heat them up. They’re simple and quick to make—the prep work only takes a minute or two, and they’re ready to eat in 30 minutes!
King crab legs are a delicious and indulgent seafood treat. With their sweet, succulent meat and satisfyingly crunchy shells, it’s no wonder why they are so popular. However, king crab can also be intimidating to cook properly at home. Undercook them and you’ll end up with tough, rubbery meat. Overcook them and the meat can become dry and stringy Follow my simple guide to learn how to cook juicy, tender king crab legs just right every time
What You Need to Know Before Cooking King Crab Legs
Before we get into the various cooking methods, let’s go over some key information about king crab that will ensure success.
-
King crab legs being sold at the store are typically previously cooked and then frozen So you are just reheating them at home,
-
If the legs feel icy cold or rigid, they are still frozen. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
-
Look for legs that are thick and hardy, not thin or cracked. High quality king crab will have thick, dense meat filling out the shells.
-
TheCooking time is very brief – just 5-10 minutes. It’s easy to overcook king crab so set a timer and watch them closely.
-
Have melted butter, lemon wedges, and shell crackers ready before cooking so king crab can be enjoyed immediately.
Steaming King Crab Legs
Steaming is a simple, foolproof way to cook frozen king crab legs that yields tender, moist meat.
-
Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
-
Place legs in a steamer basket or colander and set over boiling water.
-
Cover pot with lid and steam for 6-8 minutes until hot throughout.
-
Serve immediately with melted butter for dipping.
Steaming locks in moisture and allows the sweet delicate flavor to shine through. The salt helps season the water. Be careful not to over-steam or the meat can become gummy.
Boiling King Crab Legs
Another easy method is boiling the legs for a light briny flavor.
-
Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a rolling boil.
-
Add 1 tablespoon of salt and cayenne pepper or lemon juice (optional).
-
Gently lower legs into the water and boil for 4-5 minutes.
-
Drain and serve with drawn butter.
Boiling is quick and infuses the crab with seasoning. Avoid over-boiling which causes the meat to separate from the shell.
Baking King Crab Legs
For deeper, more concentrated flavor, baked crab legs are the way to go.
-
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a sheet pan with foil.
-
Place legs on pan and sprinkle with Old Bay or Cajun seasoning.
-
Pour 1⁄4 inch of water into the pan. Tightly cover pan with foil.
-
Bake 8-12 minutes until crab is hot throughout.
-
Uncover and serve with lemon butter.
The steam created within the covered pan perfectly cooks the crab while the seasoning adds robust flavor. Be careful not to overbake or the meat will be dry.
Grilling King Crab Legs
Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky char while cooking the legs evenly.
-
Oil the legs lightly to prevent sticking.
-
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
-
Place legs directly on grill grates and close lid. Grill for 4 minutes on each side.
-
Brush with garlic-lime butter and grill 2 minutes more.
The hot dry heat of the grill sears the outside while gently cooking the interior. Rotate the legs and move to cooler spots if they are cooking too fast.
Broiling King Crab Legs
Broiling is like upside-down grilling that rapidly cooks the legs under intense direct heat.
-
Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with oil.
-
Arrange legs on pan 4-5 inches from broiler.
-
Broil for 5-6 minutes until opaque and warmed through, flipping halfway.
-
Serve with melted garlic butter for dipping.
Keep a close eye on the crab when broiling. The high heat can quickly overcook the delicate meat.
Tips for Cooking King Crab Legs Like a Pro
-
Always start with high-quality, ultra fresh king crab. The freshest legs will have the sweetest flavor and tender texture.
-
Thaw frozen legs overnight in the fridge before cooking. Cook time is much shorter for thawed rather than frozen legs.
-
Remove the shell on the underside of legs before cooking for more direct heat exposure.
-
Brush legs with oil or butter before grilling or broiling to prevent sticking.
-
Resist the urge to overcook! King crab legs cook remarkably fast.
-
Serve immediately while hot. Chilled crab absorbs moisture and becomes soggy.
Serving Suggestions for Cooked King Crab Legs
King crab legs should be enjoyed right after cooking for the best taste and texture. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
-
Crack shells using crab crackers and pull out meat in hearty chunks.
-
Dip chunks of crab meat into melted, clarified butter or garlic lemon butter.
-
Squeeze fresh lemon over the crab meat to enhance briny sweetness.
-
Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the wonderful butter.
-
For a salad, top mixed greens with cracked crab pieces and zesty vinaigrette.
-
Place crab meat on toasted brioche and sprinkle with chives for a crab toast.
-
Fold crab meat gently into hot linguine pasta with olive oil and parsley.
Storing Leftover King Crab
Properly stored, leftover cooked king crab will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
-
Pick any remaining meat from the shells after serving.
-
Place meat in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
-
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
-
Use leftover crab meat for salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes or crab cakes.
The prized meat of king crab legs takes well to reheating. Use within a few days for best quality.
Common Questions
Can you cook frozen king crab legs?
Yes, frozen pre-cooked legs just need a quick steaming, boiling or baking to heat through. Add 1-2 minutes to the cook time.
Should you thaw crab legs before cooking?
It’s best to thaw frozen legs overnight in the fridge for more even cooking. But you can cook frozen legs with slightly extended cook times.
Is it safe to eat undercooked crab?
King crab legs are typically fully cooked during processing. Just reheat until hot throughout. Any undercooked crab meat may harbor bacteria and cause food poisoning.
Why are my crab legs soggy and watery?
Overcooking is usually the culprit. The heat forces moisture out of the delicate meat. Follow suggested cook times and pull them as soon as they are hot.
Can you reheat cooked king crab legs?
Yes, leftover cooked crab can be gently reheated in the shell by steaming or baking until warmed through. Avoid microwaving which makes meat rubbery.
The Takeaway
King crab legs make for an impressive yet easy-to-make meal. They have a naturally sweet and tender texture that really shines when simply steamed, boiled, baked or grilled. Follow my tips for cooking king crab legs perfectly every time. Be careful not to overcook the prized meat. Serve with melted butter, lemon and shell crackers for a luxurious dining experience.
How to Cook King Crab Legs:
We are just reheating most of the crab that is sold in the US because it has already been cooked and flash frozen. Let crab legs thaw in the fridge before cooking if they are still frozen, or add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Prepare Pan by lining with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place king crab legs on top.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until hot and a little steamy.
Crack legs open using kitchen shears or crab crackers, down the leg, lengthwise.
Enjoy dipped in butter, if desired.
How to Serve Crab Legs:
Crab legs are most often served with melted butter, and sometimes lemon wedges on the side. Some people like to add a little fresh minced garlic, salt and pepper to the butter. Keep it simple, to allow the delicious flavor of the meat to be the star.
We pass around kitchen shears to cut the shells open, or you can use a crab cracker (or this fun seafood shell cracking tool set set if you’re entertaining guests).
