Steaming Crab Legs: Using Your Rice Cooker

Steaming crab legs is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. It is a healthy cooking option that preserves the natural flavours and tenderness of the meat. While a dedicated steamer is ideal for this task, you may be wondering if a rice cooker can be used as an alternative. The answer is yes! A rice cooker can be used to steam crab legs, as some come with a steam basket accessory, and others can be used as a steamer by adding water and a steaming rack. This method is similar to using a stockpot with a steaming rack, which is a common way to steam crab legs.

How to steam crab legs in a rice cooker

Steaming crab legs is a simple and delicious way to prepare this seafood dish, and you can easily do it at home using a rice cooker. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam crab legs in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs

If you're using frozen crab legs, it's best to thaw them before steaming. The recommended way to thaw frozen crab legs is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. Place the crab legs in a container as they thaw to prevent any water dripping inside the refrigerator. If you're short on time, you can also thaw them by rinsing the crab legs under cold running water for a few minutes. Ensure that all the ice has melted before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Fill the bottom of your rice cooker with water. The water level should be about an inch or two below the steamer basket or rack. You only need enough water to create steam, so make sure the water doesn't touch the steamer basket. If your rice cooker didn't come with a steamer basket, you can use a metal colander that fits securely inside the pot.

Step 3: Season the Water (Optional)

Although not necessary, seasoning the water can enhance the flavor of your crab legs. You can add a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning, salt, and a couple of bay leaves to the water. You can also add lemon wedges and a teaspoon of salt for a slightly different flavor profile.

Step 4: Arrange the Crab Legs

Place the crab legs inside the steamer basket or colander. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you need to stack them, make sure it's only slightly, as they should still cook through. Cover the rice cooker to trap the steam inside.

Step 5: Steam the Crab Legs

Turn on the rice cooker and let the water come to a boil. Once it's boiling, the steam will cook the crab legs. The cooking time will depend on the size of the crab legs and how thawed they are. It usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes for the crab legs to be heated through. You'll know they're done when they're fragrant and have a bright orange or red color.

Step 6: Serve the Crab Legs

Carefully remove the crab legs from the steamer using tongs and place them on a plate. Steamed crab legs are best served immediately. You can serve them with melted butter, clarified butter, or extra virgin olive oil, along with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious and tender crab legs!

How to prepare crab legs for steaming

Preparing crab legs for steaming is a simple process. First, decide whether you want to thaw your crab legs before steaming. While this is not necessary, it will reduce the steaming time and ensure more even cooking. If you choose to thaw your crab legs, you can do so by placing them in a bowl overnight in the refrigerator or by running them under cool water until all the ice has melted.

Once your crab legs are thawed or if you have chosen to steam them straight from frozen, it's time to prepare your equipment. You will need a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and a steamer basket or colander that fits inside. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal colander or a metal trivet. Fill the pot with an inch or two of water, making sure that the water level is below the steamer basket or colander. You can also add some salt or seasoning to the water if desired.

Now it's time to prepare your crab legs for steaming. If you have purchased a whole crab, you will need to remove the legs from the body. This can be done by twisting and pulling the legs away from the body. You can also use kitchen shears to cut the legs at the joints. It is important to ensure that the crab legs are a size that will fit in your steamer basket or colander. If they are too large, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces.

Once your water is boiling and your crab legs are prepared, it's time to start steaming. Place the crab legs in the steamer basket or colander, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cover the pot with the lid and let the crab legs steam for 4-10 minutes, depending on whether they were thawed or frozen before cooking. The crab legs are cooked when they are hot all the way through, have a reddish-pink colour, and release a fragrant aroma.

How to tell when crab legs are done steaming

Yes, you can steam crab legs in a rice cooker. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a rice cooker or a large lidded stock pot or Dutch oven with a steamer basket or metal colander that fits inside.

Now, how do you know when crab legs are done steaming? Crab legs are usually sold pre-cooked and flash-frozen, so when you steam them, you're simply reheating them. Here are some signs that crab legs are cooked and ready to eat:

• The crab legs should be steamed until they are heated through. This usually takes around 4-10 minutes, depending on whether they were thawed or frozen before steaming.
• You'll know the crab legs are cooked when you can smell them!
• The meat should be hot all the way through.
• The flesh should appear reddish-pink and juicy.
• The crab meat should be opaque white with an orange or red coloration. Crab legs are overcooked when the meat starts to turn pink, so be careful not to overdo it.

How to serve steamed crab legs

Steaming crab legs is a simple and delicious way to prepare this seafood dish, allowing the crab's natural sweetness and tenderness to shine through. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve steamed crab legs:

Choose the Right Crab Legs:

Select between King Crab and Snow Crab legs, which are the two most popular types among seafood lovers. King Crab legs are larger and more expensive, with a rich, sweet flavour, while Snow Crab legs are smaller, more affordable, and have a delicate texture and briny taste.

Prepare the Crab Legs:

Choose between fresh or frozen crab legs. If using frozen crab legs, thaw them by placing them in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours or by running them under cold water until the ice melts. Inspect the shell to ensure it is not cracked or damaged before steaming.

Gather Your Equipment:

You will need a pot with a steamer insert or a steamer basket. If using a large pot, ensure it is deep enough to fit the steamer basket securely. You will also need a pair of tongs for handling the crab legs.

Steam the Crab Legs:

Fill the pot with water, ensuring it doesn't touch the steamer basket. The water level should be about an inch below the basket. Seasoning the water is optional but can enhance the flavour. Place the crab legs in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and heat the water until it boils. Steam the crab legs for around 5-10 minutes, depending on their size, until they are heated through and have a bright orange or red colour.

Serve the Crab Legs:

Carefully arrange the steamed crab legs on a platter and garnish with lemon wedges. Provide melted butter or a butter sauce for dipping, and offer a variety of tools such as crab crackers, nutcrackers, or kitchen shears to help your guests extract the tender meat from the shells. Enjoy the sweet and tender crab meat!

What to do if you don't have a steamer

If you don't have a steamer, there are a few alternative ways to steam crab legs. Here are some detailed instructions:

Using a Large Pot or Skillet

Fill a large pot or skillet with about an inch of water. You can also add lemon wedges and salt to taste, but this is optional. Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Arrange the crab legs in a single layer in the pot or skillet, cover tightly with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through and fragrant. Be careful not to add too much water, as you want to steam the crab legs, not boil them.

Using a Microwave

Start by cutting the crab legs and claws at their joints with kitchen shears or a heavy knife to ensure they fit in the microwave. Moisten some paper towels with water, wrap three pieces of crab legs in the damp paper towels, and then wrap each cluster in a couple of layers of microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave each package for 2 minutes on full power. The crab legs are likely done when they become fragrant. To check, unwrap one set and touch the meaty part with your finger to ensure it is warm.

Using a Rice Cooker

If your rice cooker came with a steam basket, you can use it to steam crab legs. Simply fill the rice cooker with some water, place the crab legs in the steam basket, and turn on the cooker. If you don't have a steam basket, you can use a metal colander that fits inside the rice cooker. Make sure the bottom of the colander doesn't touch the water, and that the lid of the rice cooker can still fit on top.

General Tips

Before steaming, it is recommended to thaw frozen crab legs. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. If you're short on time, you can also run them under cold water for a few minutes until the ice melts. After steaming, crab legs are often served with melted or clarified butter, salt, and lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions