Steaming Crab Legs: No Steamer, No Problem

Crab legs are a delicacy for seafood lovers, known for their sweet and juicy meat. While steaming is the traditional method of cooking crab legs, it is still possible to cook them without a steamer. Here are some alternative ways to cook crab legs without a steamer:

- Using a Large Pot: Fill a large pot with about an inch of water, place a steamer basket or metal colander inside, ensuring it sits above the water level. Once the water boils, put the crab legs in the basket/colander, cover the pot, and steam for 5-7 minutes.

- Double Boiler: Fill a saucepan with 2 inches of water and place a heat-proof bowl on top. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, arrange the crab legs in the bowl, cover, and steam for 10-12 minutes.

- Baking Sheet and Aluminium Foil: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the crab legs on aluminium foil, fold it to create a pouch, and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

- Microwave: Cut the crab legs at their joints and wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave each package for about 2 minutes on full power.

- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat, brush the crab legs with butter or oil, and place them on the grill grates. Cover and steam for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Boiling crab legs

Boiling is one of the best ways to cook crab legs. The water gets in between the cooked meat and the shell, keeping everything moist and juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide to boiling crab legs:

Step 1: Boil the Water

Find a stockpot large enough to fit your crab legs. Fill it with cold tap water and add salt. Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil. You can also add flavouring agents such as lemon wedges, bay leaves, or Old Bay seasoning to the water.

Step 2: Prepare the Crab Legs

If your crab legs are frozen, make sure to thaw them before boiling. The best way to thaw frozen crab legs is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. If you're short on time, run them under cold tap water until no ice remains.

Step 3: Add the Crab Legs to the Boiling Water

Once the water is boiling, carefully lower the crab legs into the pot using long-handled tongs. Bend the crabs at the joints and adjust them so that the hot water fully covers them.

Step 4: Boil the Crab Legs

Return the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the crab legs for about 5 minutes until they are heated through. You can also add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavour.

Step 5: Remove the Crab Legs from the Pot

After simmering for 5 minutes, use tongs to remove the crab legs from the pot and transfer them to a platter. Let them cool slightly before handling.

Step 6: Serve the Crab Legs

Crab legs are often served with melted butter, salt, and lemon wedges. You can also use clarified butter or garlic butter for dipping. Enjoy your delicious and juicy boiled crab legs!

Using a colander

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a colander to cook crab legs. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, fill a pot with about 1-2 inches of water and place it on the stove. Turn the heat on high and bring the water to a boil. You can also add some salt to the water to enhance the flavour.

While the water is heating up, prepare the colander. Make sure you're using a heatproof colander or metal sieve that fits securely on top of the pot. It's important that the colander doesn't touch the water.

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the crab legs in the colander. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam inside. This will help cook the crab legs evenly. Let the crab legs steam for approximately 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through.

After 5-7 minutes, carefully remove the colander from the pot using oven mitts or tongs. Be cautious as the colander will be hot. Your crab legs are now ready to be served!

Baking crab legs

Baked crab legs are an easy and mess-free way to cook crab. Crab legs are naturally quite moist, so they essentially steam themselves in the oven. This method also does away with the need for a huge pot of boiling water.

How to Bake Crab Legs

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the crab legs on it, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Brush the crab legs with melted butter or olive oil to keep them moist.

Bake the crab legs for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. The exact time will depend on the type of crab you are cooking and whether they are fully thawed or not. Crab legs are done when their colour has changed to a bright orange and they are hot all the way through. If you are unsure, crack open a leg to test. If it isn't hot enough, place it back in the oven and cook in 5-minute increments until it is warmed through.

Remove the crab legs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best served immediately, with ghee or melted butter on the side.

Microwaving crab legs

Preparation:

Firstly, it is important to note that crab legs should be thawed before microwaving. If they are frozen, place them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight or for 8-12 hours. If you are short on time, you can run them under cold water to speed up the thawing process. Remember, the faster you cook them after thawing, the better they will taste.

Cooking Process:

Once the crab legs are thawed, follow these steps:

• Place the crab legs in a microwave-safe dish: Arrange the thawed crab legs in a microwave-safe casserole dish. If they are too long, you can cut them in half to fit.
• Add water: For every 8 ounces of crab legs, add 1 tablespoon of water to the dish. This will create steam during the cooking process.
• Cover the dish: Use a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to tightly seal the dish. This will trap the steam and ensure even cooking.
• Microwave: For every 8 ounces of crab legs, microwave on high power for 3-4 minutes. For example, if you have 1 pound of crab legs, cook them for 6-8 minutes.
• Check for doneness: The crab legs are cooked when the meat is warm to the touch and you can smell the crab. You can also check by forking; the meat should flake easily.

Tips:

• If you are using Alaskan Snow Crab Legs, reduce the cooking time to 1.5 minutes per bundle.
• For added flavour, serve the crab legs with lemon wedges or garlic butter for dipping.

Grilling crab legs

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Firstly, prepare your gas or charcoal grill for medium heat. Clean the grill grates with a stiff-bristled wire brush to minimize the chances of the crab sticking to the grill.

Step 2: Brush the Crab Legs

Lightly brush the crab legs with about a tablespoon of oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Crab Legs

Place the crab legs directly on the grill grates and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are heated through. To maximize the grill's heat, keep the grill covered while cooking.

Tips for Grilling Crab Legs:

• A charcoal grill will add the most flavor to the crab legs, but even a propane grill will add a characteristic smoky taste.
• If you want to add extra flavor to your crab legs, brush them with melted butter or olive oil before grilling.
• Grilling crab legs is a great way to avoid the mess of boiling or steaming, and it adds a unique charred flavor to the dish.
• Always ensure your grill is clean and well-maintained to prevent the crab legs from sticking.
• Keep the grill covered during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature and speed up the cooking process.

Frequently asked questions