Steaming Snow Crab Legs: No Steamer, No Problem

Snow crab legs are a delicious treat, and cooking them at home is easier than you might think. While steaming is the best way to cook crab legs, it is possible to cook them without a steamer. In this article, we will explore the different methods you can use to cook snow crab legs without a steamer and provide a step-by-step guide to ensure perfect results. So, whether you are a first-time crab cook or an experienced chef, read on to discover how to prepare snow crab legs that are mouth-wateringly good.

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. Since frozen crab legs have already been cooked, all you need to do is heat them through.

Step 1: Boil the Water

The most important part of this step is to locate a stockpot large enough to fit your crab legs. Most large stockpots or Dutch ovens can fit about 2 pounds of crab legs without overflowing. Once you’ve found your pot, 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 additional flavouring agents to the water in this step, such as lemon wedges, bay leaves, or Old Bay seasoning.

Step 2: Add the Crab Legs

Once the water is boiling, slowly lower the crab legs in using long-handled tongs. Bend the crabs at the joints and tuck them in so that the hot water fully covers them. Return the water to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.

You should only need to simmer the crab legs for about 5 minutes until they are heated through. Once they’re fully heated, remove the legs using your tongs and set them aside to cool slightly before handling.

Tips:

• If you are pressed for time, run the crab legs under cold tap water instead of thawing them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Crab legs are done when they turn a bright red and emit a cooked seafood aroma.
• Serve with melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon wedges.

Baking crab legs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of crab legs (snow crab, Dungeness crab, or king crab)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Cajun seasoning or Old Bay Seasoning
• Salt (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400-450°F.
• Prepare the crab legs by scrubbing them clean and ensuring they are thawed. You can thaw frozen crab legs by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold tap water.
• Place the crab legs in a baking dish. For even cooking, avoid stacking or overlapping the crab legs.
• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, and your choice of seasoning. Mix well.
• Brush the oil and seasoning mixture generously onto the crab legs.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil.
• Bake the crab legs for 10 minutes.
• Remove the crab legs from the oven and brush them with additional oil and seasoning.
• Return the crab legs to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, keeping them covered.
• Optional: For extra flavour, brush the crab legs with melted butter before serving.
• Serve the crab legs with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Tips:

• Baking crab legs is a great way to avoid the mess and hassle of steaming or boiling.
• Be sure to thaw frozen crab legs before baking for the best results.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the type and size of crab legs you are using. King crab legs, for example, may require a slightly longer cooking time.
• For an extra flavour boost, try injecting the crab legs with the seasoned butter mixture.

Broiling crab legs

To broil crab legs, start by preheating your oven to a high broiler setting. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Place the crab legs on the prepared baking pan and brush them with olive oil or melted butter. Place the sheet pan 5 to 6 inches from the broiler and cook until the crab legs are heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Alternatively, you can split the crab legs and body to expose the meat, and season with butter, garlic, and lemon. This will provide a chared and succulent finish.

You can also broil crab legs on a grill, which will impart a smoky flavour. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F-400°F). Ensure the crab legs are thoroughly thawed before grilling, to prevent flare-ups. Grill the crab legs for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until hot throughout.

Grilling crab legs

Step 1: Prepare the grill

Get your gas or charcoal grill ready and set it to medium heat. Use a stiff-bristled wire brush to clean the grill grates and minimise the risk of the crab legs sticking to them.

Step 2: Brush the crab legs with oil

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

Step 3: Grill the crab legs

Place the crab legs directly on the grill grates and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until they are heated through. Keep the grill covered during cooking to maximise the heat.

Step 4: Serve

Crab legs are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with melted or clarified butter and lemon wedges to balance out the rich crab flavours. You can also use kitchen shears to cut a slit down the length of the shell, then gently separate the two sides of the shell to coax out the meat in one long piece.

Using a colander

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

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs

If you've purchased frozen crab legs, you'll need to thaw them before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. However, if you're short on time, you can run them under cold tap water until all the ice has melted.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Equipment

For this method, you'll need a large pot with a lid that fits securely. Make sure the pot is big enough to accommodate the colander and the crab legs. Place the colander inside the pot, ensuring it fits snugly.

Step 3: Add Water and Seasonings

Fill the pot with an inch or two of water. You can also add some seasonings to the water to enhance the flavour of the crab legs. Lemon slices, bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, or a splash of white wine are all great options.

Step 4: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the water to a rolling boil. You may need to adjust the heat to maintain a steady boil.

Step 5: Add the Crab Legs

Once the water is boiling, it's time to add the crab legs. Carefully place them into the colander, being mindful of the hot steam. Use tongs if necessary to protect your hands.

Step 6: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot with the lid, ensuring a tight seal. Allow the crab legs to steam for approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on whether they were thawed or frozen. For thawed crab legs, steam for 5-7 minutes, and for frozen crab legs, steam for up to 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the crab legs are heated through, remove them from the pot and serve immediately. You can enjoy them with melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favourite dipping sauces. Don't forget to provide tools like crab crackers and small forks to make it easier to extract the meat from the shells.

Frequently asked questions