Steaming Snow Crab Legs: How Long Does It Take?

Steaming is the best way to cook crab legs, and it's far easier than you might think. It is the ideal way to reheat wild-caught Alaskan snow crab to serve with a dip or prepare the meat for dishes like crab risotto or crab cakes. It's quick to do and is the easiest way to preserve the moist, tender texture of the crab meat. It takes 10 minutes or less to steam snow crab legs, depending on whether they are frozen or thawed.

Steaming crab legs from frozen

Steaming is an effective way to cook crab legs, and it is simple to do so from frozen. It is a good method for reheating crab legs to serve as a dish or as part of a meal. The gentle, moist heat helps to preserve the crab's sweet taste and tender texture. It also helps the crab retain its juices and flavours, and it is less likely to overcook the meat.

To steam crab legs from frozen, first, rinse off any thick areas of ice glaze under cold, running water. This will ensure even heating. Next, gather your equipment: a steamer basket that fits in a lidded pot, or a wide lidded pot or pan; lemon slices; and the crab itself. If using a steamer basket, fill the pot with an inch of water, then add a few lemon slices. Cover with the lid, then bring the water to a simmer over medium heat until steaming. Once the pot is steaming, add the crab and cover again. Continue to steam over medium heat for 10 minutes. If not using a steamer basket, simply cover the bottom of a wide pot or pan with about ¼ inch of water and add a few lemon slices. Cover with a lid and bring to a simmer over medium heat until steaming. Then, add the crab and cover with a lid. Continue to steam over medium heat for 10 minutes.

If you are using a different steaming method, there are other ways to steam crab from frozen. One way is to put the crab in a baking dish with about ¼ to ½ inch of water, and herbs and spices if you prefer, and put it in the oven at about 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes. Another way is to use the same method in a Dutch oven or larger pan on a stovetop on medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes.

Steaming crab legs that have been thawed

Steaming is considered the best way to cook crab legs, as it helps preserve the crab's natural juices and flavours. It is also a simple and quick method to prepare crab legs.

Preparing Crab Legs for Steaming

Crab legs are usually sold pre-cooked and flash-frozen. Before steaming, you can either thaw the crab legs or steam them frozen. Thawing the crab legs before steaming is recommended as it will help the legs cook more evenly and quickly. To thaw, place the crab legs in a bowl and leave them overnight in a refrigerator. If you are short on time, you can place them in a colander under cool running water until all the ice has melted.

Steaming Crab Legs

To steam crab legs, you will need a large pot with a steamer basket or a colander that fits inside the pot. The pot should have a tight-fitting lid. Fill the pot with an inch or two of water and place the steamer basket or colander inside. You can season the water with salt, bay leaves, lemon wedges, Old Bay seasoning, or a splash of white wine. Bring the water to a boil.

Once the water is boiling, place the crab legs in the steamer basket and cover the pot. Steam the crab legs for 4-5 minutes if they have been thawed, or 10 minutes if steaming from frozen. The crab legs are cooked when they are heated through and the meat is reddish-pink and juicy.

Serving Crab Legs

Remove the crab legs from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. Crab legs can be served with lemon wedges, melted butter, or a dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy!

How long to steam crab legs for

Steaming is considered the best way to cook crab legs, as it helps preserve the crab's pure, sweet taste and tender texture. It also prevents overcooking, which can make the meat rubbery and difficult to release from the shell.

When steaming crab legs, the general rule is to steam them for 5 minutes if they have been thawed and for 10 minutes if they are frozen. This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and hot all the way throughout, with a reddish-pink and juicy appearance.

For those who prefer to thaw their crab legs before steaming, the process is relatively simple. It is recommended to thaw the legs overnight in the refrigerator, but if time is a factor, placing them in a colander under cool running water until all ice is removed will also do the trick.

Once the crab legs are thawed, the steaming process can begin. To start, fill a large pot with an inch or two of water and place a steamer basket or a wide colander at the bottom. Season the water with salt or other seasonings like bay leaves, lemon wedges, Old Bay seasoning, or a splash of white wine to enhance the flavour. Bring the water to a boil and then carefully place the crab legs in the steamer basket. Cover the pot and let the crab legs steam until they are cooked through. This should take around 4 to 5 minutes for thawed crab legs and about 10 minutes for frozen ones.

For those who prefer to steam their crab legs without a steamer basket, a wide pot or pan can be used. Simply fill the pot or pan with about a quarter inch of water, add a few lemon slices, and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Then, add the crab legs, cover, and continue to steam for 5 minutes for thawed crab or 10 minutes for frozen.

What to serve with snow crab legs

Snow crab legs are a delicious treat for seafood lovers. The crab's distinct sweetness and tenderness make it a mouth-watering delicacy. While crab legs are fantastic on their own, there are several sides and sauces that can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas on what to serve with snow crab legs:

Dipping Sauces

The simplest yet most iconic partner for crab legs is butter, specifically clarified butter. The rich and flavorful dairy enhances the sweetness of the crab meat. To make clarified butter, melt regular butter and allow it to cool, separating the milk solids. The clear liquid on top is the clarified butter. For an extra kick of flavour, add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and garlic to the butter. You can also experiment with other dipping sauces, such as a combination of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, lemon, horseradish, and pepper, or mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Classic Sides

Crab legs go well with a variety of classic side dishes. Here are some options:

• Cheddar Bay Biscuits: These golden, cheesy biscuits are a popular choice to accompany seafood. They are fluffy, rich, and melt in your mouth.
• Corn on the Cob: Crab and corn is a classic combination. The crisp, fresh crunch of corn complements the buttery, savory crab. You can grill, steam, boil, or microwave corn on the cob to perfection.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like carrots, asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, squash, and onions provide a mild, earthy, and refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the crab.
• Potatoes: Whether roasted, mashed, or in the form of cheesy potato pancakes, potatoes are a versatile side that pairs well with crab legs. For an indulgent twist, infuse mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheese, and garlic butter.

Wine Pairings

If you're looking for the perfect wine to accompany your crab leg feast, consider a crisp, clean white wine like Chardonnay, Pinto Gris, or a dry Riesling. These wines complement the sweetness of the crab and pair well with a variety of foods.

Decadent Desserts

To finish off your meal, opt for a light and refreshing dessert like lemon cheesecake, creamy lemon squares, or strawberry shortcake. Or, indulge in something richer like chocolate cake, mousse, or brownies.

How to eat snow crab legs

Snow crab legs are a delicious treat, and steaming is the best way to cook them to perfection. But how do you eat them?

First, you'll need to gather the right tools. Crab legs can be a little messy to eat, so it's a good idea to have some napkins or wet wipes on hand. You'll also need a crab cracker, a small fork, and some kitchen shears or scissors.

Now, let's get to the fun part—eating the crab legs! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by removing each individual leg from the cluster by gently snapping it off.
• Take each leg and break it into two parts by gently snapping it at the joint.
• Use your crab cracker or kitchen shears to gently crack open the shell of each leg part. Be careful not to crush the meat inside.
• Use your thumbs or a small fork to gently push or pull the meat out of the shell. It should slide out easily.
• For the claws, use your cracker or even your teeth to break open the shell. Again, be gentle so you don't crush the meat.
• Peel back the shell of the claw until you can easily slide out the meat.
• The cluster, or body of the crab, can be gently cracked open with your hands. Fold it open and use a small fork to remove all the pockets of delicious meat.
• Finally, enjoy the sweet and tender meat! You can dip it in melted butter or lemon juice, or even try a creamy aioli or tangy cocktail sauce for an extra burst of flavour.

Eating snow crab legs can be a little messy, but it's definitely worth it for the delicious meat. So, don't be afraid to dig in and get your hands dirty!

Frequently asked questions