How Long Should I Boil My King Crab Legs for Perfect Results Every Time?

King crab legs are a delicious delicacy that many seafood lovers crave. However knowing how long to boil them can be tricky. Undercook them and the meat will be gummy and hard to extract. Overcook them and the meat becomes rubbery and loses its sweet delicate flavor. So how long should you boil king crab legs to achieve crab meat perfection? In this article, I’ll share my tried and true method for boiling succulent king crab legs at home.

Why Properly Cooking King Crab Legs Matters

King crab legs come pre-cooked so technically you just need to reheat them. However, the short time it takes to boil king crab legs makes a big difference in the final texture and taste. It’s easy to over or under cook them, resulting in unsatisfying crab legs. That’s why paying attention to the boiling time is so important.

When king crab legs are boiled just right, the meat comes out tender, moist and sweet It easily extracts from the shell in hearty, delicious chunks Undercooked crab meat is gummy and hard to remove. Overcooked crab becomes stringy and dry.

By following my simple boiling recommendations, you’ll never have to settle for less than perfect king crab legs again!

How Long Should You Boil Pre-Cooked King Crab Legs?

If using thawed or fresh king crab legs that are already cooked, the boiling time should be:

• 3 to 5 minutes for smaller crab legs
• 5 to 7 minutes for larger crab legs

These quick boiling times are just long enough to heat the crab legs throughout while keeping the meat tender.

How Long Should You Boil Raw, Uncooked King Crab Legs?

If you are lucky enough to have access to raw, uncooked king crab legs, you’ll need to boil them a little longer to fully cook the meat. For raw king crab legs, the boiling times are:

• 8 to 10 minutes for smaller crab legs
• 10 to 12 minutes for larger crab legs

This longer boiling duration ensures any raw crab is cooked through while still maintaining a tender texture.

Step-By-Step Boiling Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect boiled king crab legs every time:

1. Prepare a Large Pot

You’ll need a pot large enough to hold the crab legs in a single layer. Fill with about 1⁄3 of the way with water.

2. Generously Season the Water

Add between 1⁄4 cup to 1⁄2 cup of seafood seasoning, like Old Bay, and 2 tablespoons of salt to the water. This adds tons of flavor to the crab as it boils.

3. Bring the Water to a Boil

Heat the pot over high heat until the water comes to a rapid boil. The seasoned water will help the crab legs cook faster.

4. Add the Crab Legs

Gently place the crab legs into the boiling water. Make sure they are fully submerged.

5. Maintain a Boil

Keep the heat high enough to maintain a steady boil for the duration of the cooking time.

6. Set a Timer

Set a timer for the minimum recommended boiling time based on whether the legs are pre-cooked or raw.

7. Flip Halfway

About halfway through, use tongs to flip and rotate the crab legs so they cook evenly.

8. Check for Doneness

Check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Carefully remove a smaller crab leg, crack it open and peek inside. The meat should be opaque white.

9. Drain Immediately

As soon as the crab legs are cooked, use tongs to quickly transfer them to a colander or sheet pan to drain and stop the cooking process.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Your perfectly cooked king crab legs are ready to crack open and enjoy dipped in melted butter or your favorite sauce!

Tips for Boiling King Crab Legs

• For convenience, buy king crab legs that are already pre-cooked so they just need reheating. This saves time and effort.

• Let frozen crab legs thaw overnight in the fridge before boiling for best flavor and texture.

• Use big, sturdy tongs to move the crab legs around while boiling. The sharp points can easily puncture the shell.

• Resist the urge to boil king crab legs too long. It’s easy to overcook them because they cook quickly. Set a timer and stick to the minimum recommended boiling times.

• Placing the crab legs on a rack or colander allows the hot water to circulate under and around them for even cooking.

• Quickly cooling the crab legs after cooking stops the cooking process so they don’t overcook.

• Cracking and eating the crab legs immediately after draining keeps the meat hot and moist.

Common Questions

How do I know when they’re done boiling?

Check for doneness a few minutes before the minimum cooking time is up. Carefully remove a small crab leg, crack it open and peek inside. The meat should be opaque white when fully cooked.

Can I reheat leftover boiled king crab legs?

Yes, you can reheat previously cooked king crab legs. Place them in boiling water for just 1-2 minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them.

Is it better to boil or steam king crab legs?

Boiling is preferred because it cooks the crab legs more evenly and infuses them with lots of flavor. The hot seasoned water reaches every nook and cranny. Steaming takes longer and doesn’t impart as much flavor.

What’s the best seasoning to use for boiling crab legs?

Old Bay seafood seasoning is hands down the best for boiling crab legs. But you can also use crab boils or Zatarain’s crawfish, shrimp and crab boil. Just avoid seasoning blends with heavy spices that may overpower the crab.

The Takeaway

Achieving tender, juicy king crab legs is easy when you follow my simple boiling recommendations. Just be sure to:

• Use ample seasoning in the boiling water for maximum flavor
• Know the proper boiling times based on whether the legs are pre-cooked or raw
• Set a timer and resist overcooking the crab
• Work quickly once cooked to stop the cooking process