No matter the time of year, king crab legs are always available at Heinen’s. They sometimes have fresh ones, but you can always find some in the freezer. They have 8 oz. to 1 pound per leg, which is huge.
There are a few ways to cook a king crab legs. I prefer not to boil crab legs because they can easily become waterlogged, which reduces the flavor. My favorite methods are steaming and baking and both are so easy to do!.
Alaskan king crab is one of the most prized seafood delicacies. The sweet, succulent meat of these crustaceans makes for an unforgettable dining experience. However to enjoy king crab at its best, it’s important to know how to properly steam the legs. Undercooking leaves the meat gummy, while overcooking causes it to become rubbery and dry. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to steam Alaskan king crab legs.
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Found in the cold waters of the Bering Sea near Alaska. Red king crab and blue king crab are the main types caught
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Their leg spans can reach 5-6 feet tip to tip! The longest legs of any crab species.
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Only the legs are eaten. The bodies contain a small amount of meat and are discarded.
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The legs are flash frozen onboard ships right after catching. This locks in freshness.
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Pre-cooked by the fishing vessels before freezing. So they just need reheating.
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Delicate, sweet flavor prized by seafood lovers. The meat has a snowy white color when cooked.
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Available pre-cracked or in shells. Shelled legs showcase the meat.
Why Steaming is the Best Cooking Method
Steaming is highly recommended for reheating king crab legs, for several reasons:
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Gently heats through without making the meat tough or dry.
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Keeps the meat tender and juicy while warming thoroughly.
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Allows legs to heat evenly, cooking to the center.
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Preserves the pure, fresh crab flavor without adding other tastes.
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Easy and convenient on the stovetop or in a steamer.
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Leaves no messy cleanup like grilling or broiling might.
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Avoids soaking in liquid as with boiling or poaching.
Steaming ensures moist, luscious meat with the pristine flavors of the ocean.
How to Steam King Crab Legs
Steaming king crab legs is simple. Here are the basic steps:
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Make sure legs are fully thawed if frozen. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
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Set up a steamer pot with 2-3 inches of water in the bottom. Bring to a boil.
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Place legs in a single layer in a steamer basket or on a steamer rack.
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Position basket in pot over the boiling water. Make sure no legs are submerged.
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Cover pot with tight fitting lid to trap the steam.
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Steam legs for 7-9 minutes if shelled, 9-12 minutes for legs in shells.
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Check for doneness at thickest part. Meat should be opaque and hot.
Signs Legs Are Fully Cooked
It’s important to verify the crab is fully cooked through. Here’s what to check for:
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Meat has turned opaque and is no longer translucent.
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Inner temperature reaches 165°F when tested with thermometer.
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Meat feels hot to the touch when poked with fork or knife tip.
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Leg segments visibly separate at joints for shelled legs.
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Fishy odor and white steam emit during cooking.
When these indicators are present, your king crab is ready for eating!
Serving Suggestions for King Crab Legs
Once steamed to perfection, try serving king crab legs:
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On a platter with melted butter, lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
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Chilled on a bed of ice with cocktail sauce and lemon slices.
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In a salad with avocado, tomato, greens and a vinaigrette dressing.
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Mixed in linguine or spaghetti with white wine, garlic and olive oil.
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On toasted bread as crab open-faced sandwiches.
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In lettuce wraps along with aioli sauce.
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In puff pastry appetizers or tarts.
However you choose to enjoy it, properly steamed Alaskan king crab is a supreme treat.
Common Steaming Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to over or undercook king crab legs if you’re not careful. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
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Not thawing legs fully – leads to uneven cooking.
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Overcrowded steamer – can hinder circulation.
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Water touches legs – dilutes flavor and makes soggy.
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Peeking under lid – releases steam and heat.
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Leaving unattended – can lead to overcooking.
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No thermometer – hard to confirm doneness.
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Steaming too long – results in rubbery meat.
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Pulling too soon – meat stays gummy in the center.
Handy Time and Temperature Guidelines
For best results, follow these time and temp recommendations when steaming king crab legs:
- 1 lb king crab legs – 7-9 minutes in steamer
- 1.5-2 lbs king crab legs – 9-11 minutes
- Thicker leg sections may need 1-2 more minutes
- Check temperature – minimum 165°F in thickest part
- Shelled legs take less time than legs in shell
Using an instant read thermometer ensures legs cook thoroughly without overdoing.
Storing Leftover King Crab Legs
Leftover steamed crab can be saved for later. Follow these storage tips:
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Let crab legs cool, then refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
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Store legs in airtight container to prevent drying out.
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Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge.
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Can be frozen for 2-3 months in air-tight packaging.
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Reheat gently in steamer or microwave before serving again.
With proper handling, cooked legs can be enjoyed more than once!
Steaming King Crab at Home
From preparation to presentation, steaming is the best approach for cooking Alaska king crab legs. Using the right method, time, and temperature results in the ultimate tender, juicy meat and sweet crab flavor. Follow these guidelines for serving this regal seafood at its finest from your own kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you!
How to Prepare King Crab Legs
How to Prepare King Crab Legs
How do you steam king crab legs?
It’s easy to steam King Crab legs in a large lidded pot or steamer. Serve steamed crab legs with lemons and butter for dipping. Rinse ice off of frozen crab legs. Use a sharp knife to split crab legs into smaller pieces that fit into the steaming basket. Fill steamer or large pot with water and bring to a boil.
How do you steam Alaskan crab legs?
Steaming Alaskan crab legs is easy, accessible, and done on a stovetop. Instructions: Stack crab legs on a trivet in a large soup pot with 1 cup of water. Bring water to a boil over high heat on the stove. Cover and steam crab legs until warmed through. Serve warm.
How long does it take to cook Alaskan king crab legs?
Skill Level: Beginner Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 6-10 minutes Total Cook Time: 11 -15 minutes 1/2 cup salted butter 1 large clove or 2 small cloves of garlic, minced 2 lbs Jumbo Alaskan King Crab Legs 1 lemon, cut into wedges In a small sauce pan, melt the butter and garlic together over low heat.
How do you cook crab legs in a steamer?
Use a sharp knife to split crab legs into smaller pieces that fit into the steaming basket. Fill steamer or large pot with water and bring to a boil. Note: No matter what size pot you are using, it’s important to make sure that your steaming basket insert will not be covered by water when you put it into the pot.