Steaming Succulent King Crab Legs: How Long For Perfection?

King crab legs are a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal. They are usually sold pre-cooked and flash-frozen to ensure the best flavour and to prevent spoilage. Before steaming, it is best to thaw the crab legs in the fridge for 8-12 hours. If you're short on time, you can run them under cold water to speed up the process. When you're ready to cook, steaming king crab legs should only take 5-10 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're hot to the touch and you can smell the crab.

How to prepare crab legs for steaming

Preparing crab legs for steaming is a simple process. First, you'll need to decide whether you want to steam the crab legs from frozen or after thawing them. While it is possible to steam crab legs straight from frozen, it is recommended to thaw them first, as this will lead to more even cooking. To thaw crab legs, place them in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight, or, if you're short on time, place them in a colander and run them under cool water until all the ice has melted.

Once your crab legs are thawed, or if you've decided to steam them from frozen, it's time to prepare your steaming setup. You'll need a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and a steamer basket that fits inside. Fill the pot with an inch or two of water and place the steamer basket on top. You can also use a colander if you don't have a steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil.

At this point, you can add seasonings to the water to enhance the flavour of the crab legs. Options include salt, bay leaves, lemon wedges, Old Bay seasoning, or a splash of white wine. However, this step is optional, as crab is delicious on its own.

Now you're ready to steam the crab legs! Place the crab legs in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and let them steam until heated through. This should take around 4-5 minutes for thawed crab legs, and a few minutes longer if the legs are frozen. Be careful not to overcook the crab legs, as this will make them rubbery.

How long to steam crab legs that are frozen

King crab legs are usually cooked on the fishing boats or immediately upon landfall to preserve their fresh taste. Therefore, when you cook them, you are just reheating them. The trick is to avoid overcooking the crab legs to preserve their tenderness and flavour.

To steam frozen crab legs, first rinse off any thicker areas of ice glaze under cold, running water. This will help ensure even heating. Next, fill a pot with an inch or two of water and add a tablespoon of salt. Place the crab legs in the pot on a rack, colander, or steamer basket over the water. Cover with a lid and cook for six to ten minutes, or until the crab is completely heated and gives off a "cooked odour". You can also add lemon slices to the water for additional flavour.

Steaming is considered a better option than boiling because it is less likely to overcook the crab legs, making them rubbery. Boiling can also cause the crab legs to take on more water, making them harder to eat.

If you have the time, it is recommended to thaw the crab legs before steaming, as they will cook more evenly and quickly. To thaw frozen crab legs, place them in your refrigerator or walk-in cooler overnight (8-12 hours). You can also rinse the thawed crab legs with water to remove any sand.

How to tell when crab legs are done steaming

When steaming crab legs, it's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make the meat rubbery and less flavourful. Here are some signs that your crab legs are done steaming:

• The crab legs should be steaming hot all the way through.
• The meat should be reddish-pink and juicy.
• The crab legs will emit a "cooked odour" when they are done.
• Crab legs are usually pre-cooked, so you are simply reheating them. They will be done when they are heated through.

If you are using frozen crab legs, you can steam them straight from frozen. However, if you have the time, it is recommended to thaw them first, as they will steam more evenly and quickly.

What to serve with steamed crab legs

Crab legs are a decadent treat, and you can serve them with a variety of sides and sauces to elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed crab legs:

Sauces and Condiments

The classic pairing for crab legs is melted butter and lemon wedges. The butter adds a creamy, rich dimension to the sweet crab meat, while the lemon adds a tangy burst of freshness. You can also get creative with other sauces such as garlic butter, cocktail sauce, or a creamy aioli. For an extra kick of flavour, try making your own Old Bay seasoning by blending celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This seasoning is a fantastic complement to seafood.

Tools

To fully enjoy crab legs, it's essential to have the right tools on hand. Provide your guests with sturdy kitchen shears or seafood crackers to crack open the shells. A small fork or pick will also be useful for removing the meat from the shell. Kitchen shears can also be handy for cutting through the softer parts of the shell. Don't forget to offer a bib and plenty of napkins, as this hands-on dining experience can get a little messy!

Side Dishes

When it comes to side dishes, there are several options that will pair well with your steamed crab legs. Grilled corn on the cob, buttery garlic green beans, classic potato salad, and Southern hush puppies are all excellent choices. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try copying Red Lobster's famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Presentation

Presentation is key when serving crab legs. Arrange the crab legs on a large platter with the melted butter and lemon wedges as condiments. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a restaurant-quality appearance. Remember to provide the necessary tools for cracking and enjoying the crab legs, as mentioned earlier.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing beer would pair well with the crab legs. A glass of bubbly champagne or sparkling wine would also be a festive choice.

Dessert

For dessert, consider something light and refreshing to follow the rich crab legs. A citrus-based dessert, such as a lemon tart or sorbet, would be an excellent choice. Alternatively, a rich, indulgent chocolate mousse or brownie could be a perfect way to end the meal on a sweet note.

With these tips, you're well on your way to creating a memorable dining experience centred around steamed crab legs!

How to steam crab legs without a steamer

King crab legs are usually sold pre-cooked, so steaming them is more about reheating than cooking through. This can be done in a few different ways, and you don't necessarily need a steamer. Here is a guide on how to steam crab legs without a steamer.

First, you'll need to thaw the crab legs overnight in your refrigerator if they are frozen. Then, you can use a colander or steamer over rapidly boiling water. If you don't have a colander, you can use a strainer that sits an inch or two above the water. If you don't want to use this method, you can wrap the crab legs in damp paper towels, then in plastic wrap, and microwave them. Another option is to bake the crab legs in the oven. Cover a baking pan with aluminum foil to create a steaming effect. Place the thawed crab legs in a single layer in the pan, adding a small amount of water (about 1/8" to 1/4" deep). You can brush the crab legs with butter, seasoning, and/or lemon juice before covering the pan and baking for 8-10 minutes.

Steaming crab legs (whether they are frozen or thawed) should take about 5-7 minutes. If you are steaming from frozen, it may take slightly longer, around 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions