How To Cook Raw King Crab Legs

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Ingredients

Cleaning and Thawing

Steaming

Baking

Grilling

Boiling

King crab is ane of the biggest and tastiest types of crab used in cooking.Since they are pre-cooked before they are frozen, they are very easy to finish at home. Steaming is the most mutual way to melt king crab legs to keep the meat tender and flavorful. If you're looking to cook the crab legs with lemons and other ingredients, bake them in the oven. Grilling is great for serving more flavorful meat in warm weather. Finally, for the quickest possible way to warm up king crab legs, boil them in h2o. Serve king crab legs warm and with some melted butter for a delicious repast.

Ingredients

ane.5 to 2 lb (0.68 to 0.91 kg) of crab legs
3 cups (710 mL) of water
3 lemons, halved
ane head of garlic

Makes 2 to iv servings

ii lb (0.91 kg) of crab legs
0.5 cups (120 mL) of water, boiled
⁰⁄₂₅ cup (0 mL) of lemon juice
three tablespoons (44 mL) of live oil
¾ cup (170.1 1000) of butter,
iii cloves of garlic
ane teaspoon (0.54 thousand) of parsley

Makes iv servings

ii lb (0.91 kg) crab legs
0.25 cups (59 mL) of olive oil
¼ cup (55 g) of butter
1 lemon, quartered

Makes four servings

2 lb (0.91 kg) of crab legs
24 cups (5,700 mL) of water
1 tablespoon (17.06 yard) salt
2 tablespoons (34.12 yard) of seafood seasoning

Makes 4 servings

1
Thaw the crab legs overnight in the fridge before cooking them. They accept almost viii hours to defrost. Wait until you're ready to use them before you begin the defrosting process. If you're trying to thaw them in a hurry, submerge them in cold, running h2o. Although you can cook frozen king crab legs in about cases, they cook at a quicker and more fifty-fifty rate when thawed first.^[1]
- King crab legs spoil rapidly. For that reason, don't thaw them out days in accelerate.
- Most crab legs are sold frozen to preserve their freshness. You lot won't detect a lot of fresh crab unless you alive virtually the ocean. If you're getting a fresh crab, recollect to clean it.
two
Trim the crab legs with kitchen shears if necessary to reduce their size. Y'all can usually place the crab legs whole in a steamer basket, pot of water, or baking sail. Nonetheless, king crab legs are pretty big and may not fit also as yous would similar. To compensate, employ something sharp, like kitchen shears, a good chef's knife, or a paring knife. Cut across the legs as the joints to separate them into multiple pieces.^[2]
- If you take the opportunity to cook the legs whole, leave them alone. It not only saves you a little extra work, but information technology helps ensure the meat stays juicy and tender.
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iii
Score the crab legs with a knife to brand them easier to open. This is optional, but it can assist yous deal with the hard shell covering the legs. Flip all of the legs over to the dorsum side, which will be colored white. Run a sharp, serrated paring pocketknife vertically downward the center. Be careful to avoid cutting into the meat.^[3]
- Leave the shell closed and intact until you take finished cooking the legs. Then, y'all can pull them open at the cutting y'all made. They will be easier to open this way.
- Don't pull open the beat or cut information technology likewise deeply. Exposing the meat makes it more than probable to dry out while it'southward cooking. Score the crush, but don't cut through it.
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one
Fill a large pot with about 3 cups (710 mL) of water. The water temperature doesn't thing, merely keep the pot about ⅓ of the way total. Accept a steamer insert that also fits inside the pot, simply wait to put it in for now. A steamer insert is basically a modest metal handbasket that helps cook food by belongings it above the h2o level. Make sure the water doesn't attain the steamer basket or the crab legs.^[4]
- If y'all don't have a steamer insert, endeavor using a metallic colander. You lot may also be able to fit something like a wire cooling rack or foil within the pot.
- The water level doesn't accept to be exact. The nearly of import role is adding enough to last throughout the steaming procedure while too making sure the crab legs aren't submerged.
ii
Add halved lemons and garlic to the water if you wish to season it. It isn't necessary, but it will add some boosted flavor to the crab legs. Slice upwardly to three lemons in half lengthwise and drop them into the h2o. Then, skin the skin off a caput of garlic. Divide information technology in half before dropping the cloves into the water.^[five]
- You tin can employ fewer lemons or garlic cloves if yous wish. Y'all could also apply store-bought minced garlic or chop up the garlic bulbs if you prefer.
3
Warm the water over high heat until it begins to bubble. Bring the h2o up to 212 °F (100 °C). Once it begins to bubble quickly, it is ready for the crab legs. Since y'all aren't using a lot of water, you won't have to worry also much about information technology bubbling over. However, make certain you have plenty water to terminal for at least 5 minutes.^[6]
- Exercise a concluding check on the water. It shouldn't touch the steamer basket once you place it inside the pot. If the water level is also loftier, permit the h2o cool, then pour some of information technology out into the sink.
four
Identify the crab legs and steamer basket within the pot. Fit as many crab legs as you can by laying them flat within the basket. Overlapping them a little is fine as long as they are inside the pot. You tin usually cook almost i.5 to 2 lb (0.68 to 0.91 kg) at once, but it depends on the size of pot and steamer handbasket you're using.^[7]
- If you're cooking a lot of crab legs, plan on dividing them into batches. This will ensure they all go an equal amount of time in the basket and plenty of steam. Stuffing besides many in at once could cause them to cook unevenly.
5

Cover the pot and cook the crab legs for 5 minutes. Bank check all of the crab legs once your timer goes off. When they are done, a strong crab smell will fill your kitchen. The crab legs turn a consequent red colour and feel warm all over.^[8]
half dozen
Melt butter if you wish to create a dipping sauce. Making a basic sauce is easy since you tin just cook a fiddling butter and dunk the crab meat into information technology. Try melting 0.v cups (113 g) of butter in a bucket on the stove. If y'all wish to add more flavor to it, add together 2 tablespoons (xxx mL) of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons (vi.56 g) of garlic powder. Then, drizzle information technology onto the meat or dip the meat into it after removing it from the shells.^[9]
- Making a sauce is optional and the crab legs volition taste fine on their own as well.
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1
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Allow the oven warm upwardly while you prepare the crab legs. Requite information technology at least 5 to x minutes to achieve total temperature. Meanwhile, proceed the door shut until you're set up to put the crab legs in the oven.
- Be conscientious almost using dissimilar temperatures. It will effect how long the crab legs take to cook. Loftier heat settings could also cause the meat to dry.
2
Spread the crab legs in a single layer on a shallow cooking sheet. Choice a blistering or cookie sheet with plenty of room to fit the crab legs. Don't use one with loftier sides, since that could cause the crab legs to cook unevenly. Lay the crab legs flat over the sheet. You can usually fit up to 2 lb (0.91 kg) on one sheet. '
- If you can't fit all of the crab legs, divide them into batches or use multiple sheets. Don't try stacking them. They won't melt at the same charge per unit.
3
Boil about 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water and cascade it onto the canvas. Effort warming the water up in a microwave or kettle. Exist careful when pouring it to avoid burns. Pour it direct onto the baking sail so it covers the bottom by about 0.125 in (0.32 cm). You may need to use more or less water depending on the sheet's size.^[10]
- Wear safe kitchen gloves to avoid the possibility of coming into contact with scalding h2o.
- The water isn't strictly necessary, but information technology's useful for keeping the crab legs moist while they bake. Without the water, the meat could turn out dry and rubbery.
4
Mix lemon juice, garlic, and other herbs to add to the crab legs. The main reward of baking is getting to cook the crab legs with all sorts of other ingredients. For a simple recipe, try pouring 0.25 cups (59 mL) of lemon juice into a separate bowl. Mix in 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of olive oil, ¾ of a cup (170.1 m) of butter, 3 cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon (0.54 yard) of parsley.^[eleven]
- Yous tin customize the flavour mixture whatsoever style you want. For example, you could add ingredients like salt, cajun seasoning, or other herbs like dill. If you like the crab legs obviously, you don't have to add anything at all.
5
Brush or pour seasonings onto the crab legs if y'all are using any. Use a kitchen brush to coat all of the crab legs with a consequent layer of the seasoning mixture. If yous don't have a brush, pour the mixture onto the baking canvass. Attempt to distribute it evenly over all of the crab legs.^[12]
- Consider saving one-half of a butter sauce mixture to swallow with the crab legs afterwards they terminate cooking. You lot don't have to do this, but information technology's a style to give the crab more flavor.
6

Embrace the crab legs with a layer of aluminum foil. Use the foil as a mode to seal in the moisture and flavors. Cover the unabridged sheet, taking care to tuck the edges of the foil over its sides. When you move the sail to the oven, watch out and then the ingredients don't spill out the sides.^[xiii]
7
Cook the crab in the oven for about xv minutes. Set your timer and await. Then, lift the foil to cheque on the crab legs. They plough a brilliant red colour as they cook. You tin can bear upon them to see if they feel warm all over. You will likewise exist able to detect a strong crab smell in your kitchen.^[14]
- Proceed in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on your oven and the heat setting used.
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1
Preheat the grill to about 325 °F (163 °C). Use the medium-low setting if your grill has it. Then, expect about 15 minutes for the grill to reach total temperature. While it'southward heating up, prepare the crab legs.^[fifteen]
- If your grill has a express temperature range, using a medium setting is fine. Remember to spotter the crab legs carefully to ensure they don't overcook.
2
Brush the crab legs with oil if you volition place them directly on the grill. Cascade about 0.25 cups (59 mL) of olive oil into a basin. Using a kitchen brush, encompass all of the crab legs in the oil. The oil will preclude them from sticking to the grill.^[16]
- If you don't accept a brush, you can rub the oil onto the crab legs past hand. Another option is to roll them in the oil.
- You lot could also wrap the crab legs in aluminum foil. It's safe to employ on the grill and will forbid them from sticking. If you plan on seasoning the crab legs before cooking them, employ foil instead of oil.
three
Wrap the crab legs in foil if you program on seasoning them. Lay iv sheets of aluminum foil on a countertop. Spread the crab legs out evenly betwixt them. You tin can generally fit as much as 3.5 lb (one.6 kg) king crab legs, so go more foil if you wish to make more than that. Set aside some other 4 sheets of foil to wrap upwardly the crab legs.^[17]
- The foil isn't necessary if yous programme on cooking the crab legs evidently. Only coat them in oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
4
Coat the crab legs with butter and seasonings for boosted flavor. For example, take about ¼ of a cup (55 yard) of butter. Rub it over each of the crab legs past paw. Then, cut a lemon into quarters and clasp them onto the crab legs.^[18]
- For additional flavor, chop upward v cloves of garlic and sprinkle them over the crab legs. Add together ½ of a cup (2.5 k) of parsley, 1 teaspoon (v.69 g) of ocean salt, and 1 teaspoon (two.33 g) of black pepper as well.
- You can besides melt some butter to pour over the crab legs once you're washed grilling them.
5
Cook the crab legs on the grill for nearly 5 minutes. Place the crab legs closer to the side of the grill, away from the coals or directly estrus, to prevent them from overcooking. Keep them near 5 in (xiii cm) away from the estrus. Then, close the grill top and get out the crab legs undisturbed.^[nineteen]
- If you're cooking the crab legs in foil, be certain to wrap them up tightly to lock in any added seasonings. Butter and other ingredients won't do yous whatsoever proficient if they leak out!
6
Flip the crab legs and cook them for up to 5 minutes. Use a pair of tongs to turn them over, keeping them in the aforementioned spot on the grill. Close the top once again when you're done. When the crab legs are done, they will exist bright carmine and have a potent aroma. They will also be consistently warm all over.^[20]
- Annotation that the cooking time can vary a lot depending on your grill and the heat setting used. All grills cook food at a unlike rate. Keep an eye on the crab legs to prevent them from called-for.
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1
Fill a large stockpot half-full with cold water. The amount of h2o you need volition depend on the stockpot you're using. A basic stockpot takes well-nigh 24 cups (5,700 mL) of h2o, just accommodate the corporeality as needed. This will be enough to melt most 4 lb (i.8 kg) of rex crab legs.^[21]
- Make sure the crab legs are completely submerged in the water or else they may not cook evenly. If your stock pot is also small, cook the crab legs in batches or utilize multiple pots.
two
Table salt and flavor the water if you lot wish to flavor the crab legs. For instance, start with 1 tablespoon (17.06 yard) of salt and stir it into the pot of h2o. Then, mix in two tablespoons (34.12 g) of store-bought seafood seasoning. Y'all could mix in herbs like parsley and dill, put garlic and lemons in the pot, or customize the flavor withal you wish.^[22]
- The salt is useful for seasoning the crab legs and getting them to cook at a more than compatible rate. Fifty-fifty if you don't plan on adding anything else, the common salt is worth adding.
3
Turn the estrus up high until the water begins to boil. Set your stove to a high setting and expect. Sentry for the water to bubble at a consistent rate. It will take a little fleck of time, so don't blitz to turn down the estrus.
- The h2o has to be boiling before yous put the crab legs into the pot. If information technology isn't boiling, y'all will have a much harder fourth dimension determining when the crab legs are done cooking.
4
Submerge the crab legs in the water. Drib the crab legs into the water, taking intendance to avoid splashes from the hot water. Apply tongs to button the crab legs downwardly and tuck them into the water as much every bit possible. Try to keep them completely covered by the water before letting them cook.^[23]
- Any parts that are out of the water won't get cooked. If you desire the legs to cook at the same rate, proceed them submerged.
- If you can't fit all of the legs into the pot, save some of them to cook after.
5
Reduce the estrus to medium and await for the water to boil once again. Adding the crab legs reduces the h2o temperature, and so information technology won't be bubbling anymore. Wait a couple of minutes until it begins to bubble rapidly again. Once information technology reaches that signal, information technology will chop-chop melt the crab legs at an even rate.^[24]
- Programme on simmering the crab legs until they're washed. Check the water for tiny, consistent bubbles and wisps of steam. Start the timer once the h2o reaches that bespeak.
6
Boil the crab legs for v to vii minutes until they are heated through. Leave the pot uncovered and watch as the crab legs change color. They volition turn a consequent shade of red equally they make full your kitchen with a delicious olfactory property. Once they wait done, apply tongs to pull them out of the water. Put them on a plate to swallow warm.^[25]
- Try serving the warm crab legs with melted butter and lemon juice. You could also enjoy them plain if yous wish.
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Add New Question

Question

How exercise I prepare king crab legs that have been separate and frozen?

The same as you would unsplit, though you lot might not need as much time to heat them upward.
Question

Practice I defrost the crab earlier boiling it?

For all-time results, yous should definitely defrost the crab before boiling in gild to maintain the crab'due south meat texture.
Question

How do I reheat crab legs that have previously been steamed?

Only microwave them until your desired temperature is reached .
Question

Can king crab legs be defrosted in the microwave?

Aye, but information technology is much easier to just boil them from frozen. When y'all practice, use common salt in the water, considering if you don't, information technology will pull a lot of flavor out of the crabmeat.
Question

Can king crab be steamed in an electrical roaster?

If your roaster allows for liquids, so yes. You lot can steam crab in whatever heated container that will bring water at least to a simmer.
Question

How long should I microwave crab legs for?

It is not recommended to microwave them, as they will go very hard and may not be edible afterwards.
Question

Can I cook them frozen?

Rex crab legs are precooked at the site of capture. Since all you're really doing is reheating them, the reply is yes, you tin can reheat them from frozen. Just add a few minutes to the time whether you lot steam, boil, grill or bake.
Question

Tin king crab legs exist steamed in the microwave?

Aye, I did information technology and information technology worked great! You lot'll have to experiment with cook times, though, because every microwave is dissimilar.
Question

Practice I put the crab legs into the pot subsequently they're thawed?

You should use a steamer basket, if possible; but yes, once thawed and the water in the pot is boiling, into the pot they get.
Question

How do I cook shelled Alaska rex crab legs?

If the meat is already out of the vanquish, you tin do several things with information technology. Make crab cakes. Sauté them in butter and a little garlic. Brand a gratin. Make crab dumplings.

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Since king crab legs are typically pre-cooked, you're more often than not reheating them at abode. Test the legs when your timer goes off then y'all don't end upward overcooking them!
The meat doesn't demand to exist seasoned after information technology has been cooked, simply information technology is great when dipped in melted butter.
Crab legs can be boiled with other types of seafood, such equally shrimp, to brand a seafood eddy.

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Things You'll Demand

Refrigerator
Serrated utility knife

Stove
Stockpot
Steamer insert or colander
Tongs
Measuring loving cup
Knife

Oven
Baking sheet
Measuring cup
Brush

Grill
Gas or coal
Tongs
Foil (optional)
Brush (optional)

Stockpot
Measuring loving cup
Tongs

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Article Summary X

Before cooking male monarch crab legs on the grill, preheat the grill on low. Then, cut the legs at the joints to make sure they fit on the grill and brush the legs with oil. Once the grill is heated, set the legs on the surface of the grill and cook them for 5 minutes on each side before serving them with melted butter and lemon wedges. Alternatively, boil crab legs by filling a big pot with water and bringing it to a boil. In one case it boils, add the crab legs, reduce oestrus to go on the water simmering and cook the legs for five to 7 minutes before removing with tongs, and serving with butter and lemon. To learn how to bake king crab legs, read on!

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