how long do you steam frozen king crab legs

How Long to Steam Frozen King Crab Legs for Perfect Results

King crab legs are a true delicacy loved by seafood fans across the world. Their sweet, succulent meat and hearty flavor make them a stellar addition to any meal. Many people opt to buy frozen king crab legs for convenience and cost savings. However, knowing how long to steam them is key to achieving tender, juicy results.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about steaming frozen king crab legs, from thawing and prep to cooking times and doneness cues. Read on for pro tips and tricks to help you nail perfect steamed crab every time!

Why Steam Frozen King Crab Legs?

Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for frozen king crab legs. It seals in moisture and brings out the crab’s inherent sweetness gently, without overcooking the delicate meat. Other quick-cooking techniques like grilling, sautéing or broiling can dry out previously frozen crab.

Steaming also allows you to season the crab nicely. Adding aromatics like garlic, lemon, herbs or spices to the steaming liquid boosts flavor.

Finally, steaming frozen crab legs is fast and fuss-free. You don’t need any special tools besides a pot, steamer basket and tight-fitting lid. It’s an easy weeknight or entertaining option with little cleanup required.

Thawing Frozen King Crab Legs

For the best results, you’ll want to thaw frozen king crab legs before steaming. Thawing helps ensure that they cook evenly. It also shortens the overall cooking time.

You have a few options for safely thawing frozen crab legs:

• Refrigerator Thawing: Place frozen crab legs in a bowl or on a rimmed baking sheet. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for 24 hours.

• Cold Water Thawing: Put frozen crab legs in a colander or bowl. Submerge in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Thaw for 2-3 hours.

• Microwave Thawing: Microwaving can thaw small amounts of frozen crab legs quickly. Check them frequently and don’t microwave for more than 5-7 minutes total.

Regardless of the thawing method, keep thawed crab legs chilled in the fridge until ready to steam. Don’t thaw crab legs on the counter, as bacterial growth can occur in the temperature danger zone of 40-140 ̊F.

Prepping Thawed King Crab Legs for Steaming

Once thawed, you’ll need to prep your crab legs before steaming:

• If the pointy shell tips are still intact on thawed legs, use kitchen shears to cut them off. This prevents potential pokes as you eat!

• Use a knife to lightly score the underside of each leg. This will make it easier for guests to access the meat after cooking.

• Give thawed legs a quick rinse under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.

• If desired, brush legs all over with a bit of olive oil or melted butter. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, etc.

Pro Tip: Don’t season heavily before steaming, as some flavor will leach into the cooking liquid. You can always add more seasoning after.

How Long to Steam Frozen King Crab Legs

When it comes to steamed crab legs, don’t rely on strict time guidelines. Due to variations in size and thickness, the doneness of crab legs should be judged by temperature, not time.

That said, here are general time ranges to expect:

• Large king crab legs: 7-12 minutes
• Medium king crab legs: 5-8 minutes
• Smaller king crab legs: 4-6 minutes

Within those ranges, employ the tips below for gauging perfect doneness.

Tips for Checking Doneness When Steaming Frozen Crab Legs

Rather than steeping to time when steaming crab legs, watch for these visual and temperature cues:

• Check appearance: Look for the leg meat to turn opaque versus translucent. It will become pearly white or pink when done.

• Temperature test: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Insert into thickest part of leg. Meat should reach 145 ̊F.

• Try the pinch test: When crab meat springs back immediately after pinching, it’s done. If the indented area remains, cook 1-2 minutes more.

• Watch for color change: Leg shells will turn bright orange-red when fully cooked.

• Do the shake test: Gently shake legs. Meat should not move freely if thoroughly cooked.

Err on the side of slightly underdone when testing doneness. Crab legs will continue cooking after removal from steam. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Steaming Instructions for Frozen King Crab Legs

Ready to dig into steaming your frozen king crab legs? Follow these simple steps for tender, moist meat:

1. Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water. Add seasonings like Old Bay, garlic, lemon slices, herbs, etc. Insert steamer basket.

2. Cover pot and bring water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat until steaming steadily.

3. Carefully add thawed, prepped legs to basket in a single layer. Work in batches if needed.

4. Cover and steam legs for minimum times listed previously. Check often for doneness cues.

5. When done, immediately remove crab from steam using tongs. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

6. Crack legs open at scored marks. Serve legs hot with melted butter, lemon wedges and favorite dipping sauces.

Helpful Equipment for Steaming King Crab Legs

Having the right kitchen tools helps make steaming king crab legs easy:

• Steamer basket – Essential for keeping crab legs above boiling water. Opt for stainless steel.

• Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of gauging doneness. Digital thermometers are fastest.

• Kitchen shears or scissors – Makes quick work of trimming sharp leg tips before cooking.

• Mallet or meat tenderizer – Useful for gently cracking crab shells post-steaming.

• Seafood cracker or picks – Helps access meat and pull it from shells. Include several per person.

• Dipping bowls – For serving drawn butter, lemon aioli or other sauces with steamed crab.

Flavorful Seasonings for Steamed King Crab Legs

One benefit of steaming is infusing tons of flavor into crab legs. Consider these tasty seasoning ideas:

• Old Bay seasoning – The classic choice for crab, shrimp and all shellfish.

• Fresh garlic and lemon – Brightens flavor beautifully. Add to steaming liquid.

• Herbs like thyme, dill, parsley – Complement seafood flavors. Use whole sprigs.

• Spices like paprika, cayenne, chile flakes – Bring the heat if you like spicy crab.

• Aromatics like bay leaves, peppercorns – Add depth of flavor. Place in steamer.

• Compound butters – Blend in herbs, citrus, pepper flakes, etc. Serve melted on hot crab.

• Flavored salts – Use coastal blends, like lemon-pepper or sea salt and malt vinegar.

Get Creative With Dipping Sauces for Steamed Crab

Don’t limit yourself to plain melted butter for dunking steamed crab legs. Whip up one of these easy dipping sauces:

• Lemon garlic aioli – Blend mayo, roasted garlic and lemon juice. Bright and tangy.

• Cajun remoulade – A zesty combo of mayo, Creole mustard, hot sauce, lemon, herbs and cornichons.

• Chili lime butter – Butter blended with lime zest and juice, Sriracha, cilantro and chili powder.

• Cilantro avocado sauce – Puréed avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice and olive oil. Cool and creamy.

• Classic cocktail sauce – Ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice and Worcestershire make a perfect pair for crab.

• Mango habanero sauce – Fruity-hot blend of mango, habanero pepper, red onion, lime and cilantro.

Expert Tips for Steaming Frozen King Crab Legs Like a Pro

Follow these pro suggestions for flawlessly steamed crab every time:

• Buy frozen crab legs from a reputable source for high quality. Opt for wild-caught over farmed.

• Inspect legs when buying. Make sure shells are intact with no cracks or dark spots.

• Plan 1⁄2 to 1 pound of legs per person. Appetizer portions are around 1⁄3 pound each.

• Use lemon juice and wine in steaming liquid to help combat “fishy” smells sometimes associated with reheating seafood.

• Add crab legs to steam frozen or still slightly icy. Don’t let thaw completely or they may overcook.

• For food safety, cook crab legs within 1-2 days of thawing. Don’t refreeze thawed meat.

• Pat – don’t soak – legs dry after steaming