Steaming Cooked Crab Legs: How Long Is Too Long?

Steaming is a popular way to cook crab legs, and it's easy to do at home. The process is straightforward: simply place a steamer basket or colander in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, add an inch or two of water, and bring it to a boil. Then, place the crab legs in the basket, cover, and steam for around four to eight minutes, or until heated through. This technique is favoured over boiling as it helps to preserve the crab's tender texture and sweet taste, and it also reduces the risk of overcooking.

Steaming pre-cooked crab legs

Crab legs are a delicious treat and can be prepared in a variety of ways. They are usually sold pre-cooked and flash-frozen, so steaming is a great way to reheat them without overcooking. The gentle, moist heat helps preserve the sweet taste and tender texture of the meat, and it's also a fast and simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming pre-cooked crab legs:

Step 1: Prepare the Equipment

To steam crab legs, you will need a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and a steamer basket or a metal colander. Make sure the pot is big enough to hold the crab legs and the steamer basket comfortably. If using a colander, ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate it and that the lid still fits securely. If not, you can use aluminium foil to create a tight seal.

Step 2: Add Water and Seasoning

Fill the pot with about one to two inches of water. Place the steamer basket or colander over the water, ensuring there is some space between them. You can season the water with salt, bay leaves, lemon wedges, Old Bay seasoning, or a splash of white wine to enhance the flavour of the crab legs.

Step 3: Bring Water to a Boil

Cover the pot and turn the heat to high. Wait for the water to come to a rolling boil before placing the crab legs in the steamer basket or colander.

Step 4: Steam the Crab Legs

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the crab legs in the steamer basket or colander. Cover the pot and let the crab legs steam until they are heated through. This should take around four to eight minutes, depending on the number of crab legs you are steaming. If you are cooking more than 15 legs at a time, you may need to add an extra four minutes to the steaming time.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

You will know the crab legs are done when they turn a bright red colour and emit a cooked seafood aroma. The meat should be hot all the way through and appear reddish-pink and juicy.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Use tongs to carefully remove the crab legs from the steamer and serve immediately. Crab legs are often served with melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favourite seafood sauces. Don't forget to provide the necessary tools for cracking and enjoying the crab legs, such as crab crackers and small forks.

How long to steam frozen crab legs

How long to steam cooked crab legs

Steaming is the best way to cook crab legs as it is far easier than other methods and helps preserve the pure, sweet taste and tender texture of the meat. It is also less likely to overcook the crab legs, and they are also less likely to lose their juices.

To steam cooked crab legs, fill a large pot with about two inches of water and place a steamer or colander over the water. Make sure there is space between the steamer or colander and the water. Cover the pot and heat over high heat until the water is boiling. Then, place the crab legs in the steamer or colander, cover with a lid, and steam for six to eight minutes.

Most frozen crab products come pre-cooked. Thawing the legs before steaming is optional, but if you have the time, it is worth it as the legs will steam faster and more evenly. To thaw, place the crab legs in a bowl overnight in the refrigerator, or use a colander and place it under cool running water until no ice remains.

When steaming frozen crab legs, first rinse off any thicker areas of ice glaze under cold, running water. This will ensure even heating.

If using a steamer basket, fill a pot with an inch of water, then add a few lemon slices. Cover the pot with a lid, then bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Once the water is steaming, add the crab legs and cover with the lid again. Continue to steam over medium heat for 10 minutes if steaming from frozen, or five minutes if the crab legs have been defrosted.

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 legs and cover with a lid. Continue to steam over medium heat for five minutes if the crab legs have been defrosted, or 10 minutes if steaming from frozen.

Steaming vs. boiling crab legs

Crab legs are a delicacy that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling and steaming. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on personal preference and the desired outcome.

Boiling crab legs is a traditional and straightforward method that many people choose for cooking king crab legs. It involves filling a large pot halfway with cold water, bringing it to a boil, and then adding the crab legs for 4-8 minutes, depending on the number of legs being cooked. Boiling can be a quick and easy way to cook crab legs, but it is important to be careful not to overcook them, as this can affect their texture and taste.

On the other hand, steaming crab legs is often considered the superior cooking method as it helps preserve the pure, sweet taste and tender texture of the meat. Steaming crab legs is done by placing a steamer basket or a metal colander in a large pot with an inch or two of boiling water. The crab legs are then placed in the basket or colander, covered, and steamed for 4-8 minutes, depending on the quantity. This method ensures that the crab legs are heated through without becoming rubbery or losing their juices, as they can when boiled.

One of the main advantages of steaming over boiling is that it results in juicier crab legs. The gentle, moist heat of steaming helps retain the natural juices of the crab meat, making it tender and flavourful. Additionally, steaming can enhance the sweetness of the crab legs, whereas boiling can dilute the flavour, especially if plain water is used.

Another benefit of steaming crab legs is that it reduces the chances of overcooking. Boiling crab legs can easily lead to overcooking, resulting in rubbery and mushy meat. Steaming, on the other hand, is a more gentle cooking method that allows for better control over the cooking process, reducing the likelihood of overcooking.

In terms of preparation, both methods are relatively simple. Boiling requires a large pot and enough water to submerge the crab legs, while steaming requires a steamer basket or a metal colander that fits inside a large pot. The water used in both methods can be seasoned with salt or other spices to add flavour to the crab legs.

Ultimately, the decision between steaming and boiling crab legs depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. Both methods can produce delicious results, but steaming may be preferable for those who want to preserve the natural sweetness and tenderness of the crab meat.

How to steam crab legs

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

Choosing a Crab Type

There are many delicious crab varieties to choose from, depending on where you live and what's available in season. However, the varieties most sought after for their legs are king crab and snow crab.

King Crabs:

• Larger than snow crabs, with big, thick, meaty legs.
• Often referred to as Alaskan king crabs, as they are plentiful along the state's coastline.
• Wild Alaskan crab is considered the tastiest but is also the most expensive.

Snow Crabs:

• Found in the frigid waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
• Smaller than king crabs, with longer, skinnier, less meaty legs.

Both varieties are available frozen year-round from big-box stores, specialty markets, and online sources.

Preparing the Crab Legs

Thawing the legs before cooking is optional, but it will make them steam faster and more evenly. Ideally, thaw them in a bowl overnight in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, you can place them in a colander under cool running water until no ice remains.

Steaming the Crab Legs

To steam crab legs, you'll need a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and a steamer basket or a metal colander. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Fill the pot with an inch or two of water and place the steamer basket or colander on top.
• Season the water with salt, bay leaves, lemon wedges, Old Bay seasoning, or a splash of white wine (optional).
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Place the crab legs in the steamer basket or colander.
• Cover the pot and let the legs steam until heated through. This should take around 4-5 minutes for thawed crab legs and a few minutes longer for frozen legs.
• Let the crab legs cool slightly before serving.

Checking for Doneness

You'll know the crab legs are cooked when you can smell them, and the meat is hot and reddish-pink throughout.

Serving the Crab Legs

Crab legs are often served with lemon wedges, melted butter, or dipping sauces like clarified butter or garlic butter sauce. Enjoy!

Best crab types for steaming

Steaming is considered the best way to cook crab legs as it leaves them tasting fresh and juicy. It is also a great way to reheat crab legs without drying out the meat. The gentle, moist heat of steaming helps preserve the sweet taste and tender texture of the meat.

When it comes to choosing the best crab types for steaming, there are several delicious options available, depending on your location and season:

• King Crab: King crabs are larger than other crab varieties, with thick, meaty legs. They are commonly found along the coastline of Alaska and are often referred to as Alaskan king crabs. Wild Alaskan king crab is considered the tastiest but is also the most expensive.
• Snow Crab: Snow crabs are smaller than king crabs, with longer and skinnier legs that have less meat. They are found in the frigid waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Snow crab legs are widely available frozen year-round in stores and online.
• Dungeness Crab: Dungeness crabs have their own distinctive flavour profile and are usually sold whole rather than in parts.
• Blue Crab: Blue crabs are native to the Chesapeake Bay region and are a popular choice for steaming. They have a unique flavour and are often seasoned with Old Bay or similar spice blends.
• Stone Crab: Stone crabs have a distinct flavour and are typically sold whole, although their legs can also be steamed.

When steaming crab legs, it is recommended to use a large pot with a steamer basket or a colander. Fill the pot with an inch or two of water, add your desired seasonings, bring it to a boil, and then place the crab legs in the steamer basket. Cover the pot and let the legs steam for four to eight minutes, depending on whether they are thawed or frozen.

Frequently asked questions