How to Perfectly Reheat Leftover Cooked Crab Legs

Cracking open a tray of tender, juicy crab legs is one of life’s greatest culinary pleasures But the enjoyment doesn’t have to end after one sitting With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy leftover cooked crab legs that taste just as amazing the second time around.

Read on to learn the best techniques for reheating pre-cooked crab legs so they come out hot moist and flavorful every time.

Can You Reheat Previously Cooked Crab Legs?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked crab legs sold at the grocery store or served at a seafood restaurant are fully safe to eat after being reheated at home.

The key is using the right reheating method to prevent the delicate crab meat from drying out or becoming rubbery. With a little finesse, reheated crab tastes freshly steamed.

Choose Your Reheating Method Wisely

Not all cooking methods are created equal when it comes to reheating leftover crab. Here is how common crab reheating techniques stack up:

• Steaming is hands down the best reheating method. The gentle moist heat evenly brings out the crab’s sweetness.

• Baking in a covered dish works nicely too. Add liquid to create steam and promote even heating.

• Boiling can lead to uneven cooking and absorbed water diluting flavor. Use as a last resort.

• Microwaving often overcooks the edges before the insides heat through. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended.

• Grilling sounds tempting but will dry out the previously cooked crab. Don’t grill leftovers.

Steaming is the crab leg reheating gold standard, but baking also produces delicious results. Read on for tips on each method.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Reheating Crab Legs

Follow these simple steps to revive leftover cooked crab legs so they taste freshly prepared.

To Reheat Crab Legs by Steaming:

• Place 1-2 inches of water in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Bring the water to a gentle simmer.

• Arrange crab legs in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd.

• Steam the legs for 4-7 minutes until heated through. Check often to prevent overcooking.

• Serve the hot crab legs immediately with butter or sauce for dipping.

To Reheat Crab Legs by Baking:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place legs in a baking dish just large enough to hold them.

• Add 1 inch of water, white wine, or beer to the bottom of the dish. Tightly cover dish with foil.

• Bake for 10-15 minutes until crab meat is hot. The liquid creates steam to prevent drying.

• Carefully remove legs from the hot dish and serve.

Handy Tips for Reheating Crab Legs

• Thaw frozen crab legs before reheating for more even results.

• Brush legs with olive oil or butter before reheating for extra moisture and flavor.

• Add aromatics like garlic, citrus, or herbs to infuse more flavor.

• Resist opening the pot or dish during reheating to allow steam to fully build.

• Err on the side of under-reheating; you can always cook legs a bit more if needed.

• Don’t re-freeze reheated crab legs. Consume within 3-4 days.

What About Reheating Crab Claws and Sections?

Besides legs, leftover cooked crab claws, clusters, and body sections can all be reheated using the same steaming and baking methods.

Add a few extra minutes to the reheating time since the thicker claw and body meat takes longer to heat through.

And take care not to overcook the meat; claws and sections can dry out faster than legs when reheated.

How to Tell When Reheated Crab Legs Are Done

Checking doneness when reheating crab legs takes some finesse. Undercooked crab is unsafe, but no one wants dried out overcooked meat either. Here are tips for landing on perfectly reheated crab:

• The shell should turn bright orange-red throughout.

• Meat should be hot and flaky throughout when poked with a fork.

• Leg segments should detach cleanly from the body at the joints.

• The crab meat should lift easily from the shell.

When in doubt, slightly under-reheat legs then check often to avoid overcooking. You can always add a minute or two more to finish. But overcooked crab can’t be saved.

Tasty Ways to Serve Reheated Crab Legs

Aside from the customary melted butter for dipping, here are delicious ways to dress up reheated crab legs:

• Lemon garlic butter – Mix together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest.

• Mustard sauce – Whisk Dijon mustard into mayonnaise or melted butter.

• Cocktail sauce – A classic pairing, mix ketchup, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce.

• Mignonette – For an elegant touch, serve with this vinegar-based sauce.

• Over pasta – Toss hot crab meat with pasta, olive oil, tomatoes, spinach and feta.

• Crab cakes – Mix reheated crab with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings to form hearty crab cakes.

With the right reheating technique, leftover cooked crab legs can taste just as amazing as the fresh version. Now you can relax knowing exactly how to revive crab legs so you can enjoy every last morsel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Crab Legs

How long can cooked crab legs be stored before reheating?

Pre-cooked crab legs will keep for 3-4 days tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Reheat within that window for best flavor and texture.

Is it safe to reheat crab legs more than once?

It’s not recommended to reheat previously cooked crab legs more than once. Reheating twice risks drying out the meat and compromising food safety.

Can you reheat cooked crab legs in an air fryer?

Reheating pre-cooked crab legs in an air fryer is not advised, as the dry heat can quickly overcook and dry out the delicate meat.

What’s the ideal reheating temperature for crab legs?

There’s no set temperature for reheating crab legs. The goal is to evenly heat the meat until piping hot throughout. Use a food thermometer to check thicker claw meat.

How do you reheat a whole cooked crab?

For a whole pre-cooked crab, submerge the entire crab in simmering water for 7-10 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, place it directly on a steamer rack.

Can reheated crab legs be refrozen?

It’s best not to refreeze crab legs once they’ve been reheated, as the freezing and thawing process negatively affects the taste and texture.

Reheating leftover cooked crab legs allows you to enjoy every succulent morsel of this indulgent seafood. In just 10-15 minutes, you can revive crab legs to taste freshly steamed. Simply use the steaming or baking method to bring out the sweetness in every bite.