Need to know how to cook king crab legs? You’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about cooking king crab legs.
When our Alaskan King Crab arrives at your doorstep, it will already be cooked, glazed and frozen. To keep its fresh, delicious taste, the king crab will have been cooked either on the boats or as soon as it got to land. So, you will just need to thaw the legs and reheat the crab before you start enjoying.
The first thing you should do when you get your crab legs is put the crab in the fridge to thaw overnight. The next day, it will be ready to reheat and prepare.
Cooking king crab legs isn’t difficult, and they only takes a few minutes to prepare. How you cook your king crab will depend on the flavor you want. Below we’ve listed some of the more popular ways to cook king crab. Most of these recipes are very easy to make. You only need three drops of hot sauce in butter to bring out the great taste of fresh king crab. Most of them also only need 5 to 10 minutes to warm up. Much more than that, and you risk your crab becoming overcooked. You only need to add the crab to a stew or soup for the last five minutes of cooking.
King crab legs are a delicious delicacy that many seafood lovers eagerly await each year Their sweet, succulent meat has a wonderfully rich flavor that makes a memorable meal. However, to enjoy king crab at its best, it’s important to know how long to cook the crab legs properly.
Undercooking leaves the meat gummy and chewy while overcooking can make it dry and stringy. So how long should king crab legs cook for ideal doneness? Read on for tips on cooking times, methods and recipes to help you prepare tender, juicy king crab legs every time
What are King Crab Legs?
King crab legs come from giant king crab found in the cold, pristine waters of Alaska. The long, thick legs are removed and sold by the pound.
Red king crab and blue king crab are two common varieties caught in the Bering Sea near Alaska. Their leg meat is bundled into segments and has a sweet, delicate flavor similar to lobster.
King crab legs are sold pre-cooked and frozen, So cooking involves thawing and gently reheating them until heated through, Precise timing prevents overcooking
Why Proper Cooking Time Matters
Cooking time directly impacts the texture of the crab meat. Heating too quickly or cooking too long can negatively affect the tenderness.
If undercooked, the flesh retains gumminess from collagen that hasn’t fully broken down. Slow heating allows collagen to dissolve into succulent meat.
Conversely, overcooking causes the meat proteins to seize up and squeeze out moisture, leaving the flesh dry and stringy. It also allows flavorful juices to leak out.
Heating gently for the optimal time keeps king crab meat tender and juicy for a luscious texture.
How Long to Cook Frozen King Crab Legs
Most king crab legs are sold pre-cooked and frozen. Frozen legs just need a quick reheating to finish cooking.
Aim to heat frozen king crab legs for 5 to 8 minutes depending on size. Thinner legs may cook faster while thick pieces need a bit more time. Below are general guidelines:
- Legs under 1 lb – 5 to 6 minutes
- Medium 1-2 lb legs – 6 to 7 minutes
- Large 2-3 lb legs – 7 to 8 minutes
- Jumbo legs over 3 lbs – 8 to 9 minutes
Check for doneness after the minimum time. Touch the thickest part of the meat and it should feel hot throughout. If still cold in the center, continue heating another 1 to 2 minutes and check again.
How Long to Cook Raw King Crab Legs
On occasion you may find raw, uncooked king crab legs. Raw legs require full cooking to a safe internal temperature.
For raw king crab legs, boil or steam for 8 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Verify doneness by cutting into the thickest portion of meat. When fully cooked, the flesh will be opaque and flaky.
Adjust the time as needed for thicker or thinner legs. Undercooking raw crab can cause foodborne illness, so ensure legs reach the safe temperature.
Best Cooking Methods
Proper technique is also key to achieving tender, juicy king crab legs. The cooking method impacts time and results. Here are top cooking methods:
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Steaming – Steam over boiling water for 5 to 8 minutes. The moist heat tenderizes the meat.
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Boiling – Boil for 4 to 5 minutes to heat legs quickly. Don’t overcook.
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Grilling – Grill briefly 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch closely to prevent drying out.
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Baking – Bake at 375°F for 4 to 5 minutes just until hot. Helps seasonings permeate.
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Microwaving – Microwave on 50% power for 2 to 3 minutes. Rotate legs and check often.
Avoid cooking methods like sautéing or broiling that apply direct, intense heat. These can rapidly overcook the exterior before the inside is warm.
Expert Tips for Cooking King Crab Legs
Follow these tips for flawlessly cooked king crab legs every time:
- Thaw legs completely before cooking so they heat evenly.
- Arrange legs evenly spaced in a single layer during cooking.
- Turn legs halfway during grilling or microwaving.
- Brush with butter or oil before grilling or broiling to prevent drying.
- Test temperature at the thickest part of the meat.
- Remove immediately from heat once legs are fully heated.
- Cover and let rest 5 minutes after cooking – residual heat will finish tenderizing.
Delicious King Crab Leg Recipes
Beyond boiling and steaming, there are many tasty ways to prepare succulent king crab legs:
Grilled King Crab Legs
- Brush with lemon butter and grill 2-3 minutes per side.
King Crab Cakes
- Gently fold cooked crab meat into cakes, bread, and pan fry.
King Crab Dip
- Combine cooked crab with cream cheese, spices and breadcrumbs. Bake until bubbly.
King Crab Legs with Garlic Noodles
Toss crab in lemon and herbs with garlic noodles or rice.
Thai King Crab Curry
- Simmer crab in coconut curry sauce with ginger and veggies.
With the right techniques and timing, it’s easy to create restaurant-quality king crab legs at home. Now go grab some king crab and get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions? Here are answers to common queries about cooking times for king crab legs:
How long do you boil frozen king crab legs?
Boil frozen pre-cooked king crab legs for 4 to 5 minutes until heated through. For raw legs, boil 8 to 10 minutes until meat reaches 145°F.
Do you have to thaw king crab legs before cooking?
It’s best to thaw before cooking so they heat more evenly. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for 2 hours in cold water.
What happens if I undercook or overcook king crab legs?
Undercooking leaves meat gummy while overcooking makes meat dry and stringy. Follow suggested times for tender meat.
How do I check king crab legs for doneness?
Insert a thermometer into thickest part of meat. 165°F indicates fully cooked. Or, cut into meat and check it’s opaque.
Can I reheat leftover king crab legs?
Yes, leftover cooked king crab can be reheated. Steam or microwave until hot, about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not overcook.
The Takeaway on Cooking Times
Perfectly preparing succulent king crab legs requires carefully following suggested cooking times. Thorough thawing and gentle, even heating produces the ideal tender texture.
While king crab legs need special handling, the rewards are well worth it. In about 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll be enjoying an incredibly sweet, delicious feast. Just be sure to resist snitching any crab before it finishes cooking!
Recipe: Baked King Crab Legs
If you want the herbs and lemon flavors to come through in the cooking, baking king crab legs is the best way to do it. To bake crab legs, preheat oven to 350° degrees. Place the crab legs in a shallow baking pan in single layers. Place hot water in the pan, about 1/8 of an inch deep. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for eight to ten minutes.
If you haven’t eaten king crab legs because you thought they were too hard to make, you should start thinking about adding them to your regular diet!
Try out the above Alaskan King Crab recipes for yourself. Orders that are $300+ receive FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING!
Fresh king crab has a shelf life of 5-7 days. If properly glazed, however, frozen king crab legs can last up to 12 months.
No. You dont need to thaw them. Most frozen crab legs are already pre-cooked so they will just need to be heated. The best way to cook frozen crab legs is to put them in a colander or steamer over water that is quick to boil.
Steaming is one of the best options for cooking king crab legs. Make a pot with two cups of water and a tablespoon of salt. Then, boil them. The pot should be about one-third of the way filled with water. Place the crab legs in the pot on a rack or colander over the boiling water. Cover with a lid and cook for six to ten minutes or until the crab is completely heated. When they begin to omit a “cooked odor,” they should be ready to eat. Serve with garlic butter, lemon wedges, and enjoy! Or check out these king crab dipping sauces.
When it’s warm outside and you want to eat outside, grilling king crab legs is a fun thing to do. For king crab legs to not stick when you grill them, you need to brush olive oil on all sides of them. Then, put the crab legs on a 300° grill and cook them for five minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for another five minutes, or until they are warm all the way through. Remove from the grill and serve with butter or sauce.
If you want the herbs and lemon flavors to come through in the cooking, baking king crab legs is the best way to do it. To bake crab legs, preheat oven to 350° degrees. Place the crab legs in a shallow baking pan in single layers. Place hot water in the pan, about 1/8 of an inch deep. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for eight to ten minutes. Want the latest on recipes, deals and new releases? Sign up here!.
Recipe: Steamed King Crab Legs
Steaming is one of the best options for cooking king crab. Make a pot with two cups of water and a tablespoon of salt. Then, boil them. The pot should be about one-third of the way filled with water. Place the crab legs in the pot on a rack or colander over the boiling water. Cover with a lid and cook for six to ten minutes, or until the crab is completely heated. When they begin to omit a “cooked odor,” they should be ready to eat.
Serve with garlic butter, lemon wedges, and enjoy!